Science

Elon Musk Announces First Human Brain Implant Procedure by Neuralink

Published January 30, 2024

Elon Musk, the eclectic billionaire behind Tesla, has made a striking claim that a groundbreaking medical procedure—a computer brain implant—has been successfully inserted into a human patient. This advance in biotechnology has been a topic of science fiction for decades, but Musk's latest announcement suggests that such narratives may be closer to reality than ever before.

Neuralink's Leap into Human Trials

On a popular social media platform, Musk shared an update that a patient had received an implant from his brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, and was showing positive signs post-operation. Musk's brief announcement indicated 'promising neuron spike detection' without providing extensive details or evidence from third-party sources.

Connecting Minds to Machines

Previously, in May, it was reported that Neuralink had received the nod from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to start trialing their devices in humans. Focused on patients with severe mobility constraints due to paralysis, the technology promises to give them the power to interact with and control electronic devices, potentially transforming how disabled individuals interact with the world around them.

Neuralink's innovation lies in its 'cosmetically invisible' brain implants that are sealed against entry of body fluids and can be charged wirelessly. The tech transmits neural signals to a dedicated app, which then interprets the signals into actions. A specifically designed robot is used to insert these narrow-thread implants as they are too delicate for manual insertion.

The Future of Neuralink and Musk's Ventures

Musk, known for overturning skepticism to build successful companies like Tesla, has made several entrepreneurial bets that have significantly increased his wealth. Despite criticism over his recent acquisition of a major social media platform and some controversial posts, Musk continues to push the envelope in technological innovation. His company's valuation, as per last year's figures, underlines the continuing confidence in his futuristic projects, including Neuralink.

Musk, Neuralink, BrainImplant