About our Neuralink news
Latest news on Neuralink, Elon Musk's neurotechnology company developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Updates on human trials, animal testing controversies, and potential applications from Neuralink Corp.
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is at the forefront of developing implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that aim to revolutionize the way humans interact with technology. The company's mission is to create devices that can treat serious brain diseases in the short term, with the long-term goal of human enhancement and achieving symbiosis with artificial intelligence.
In a significant milestone, Neuralink recently introduced the first human recipient of their brain implant, 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, who became quadriplegic after a diving accident. During a livestream on X (formerly Twitter), Arbaugh demonstrated his ability to control a computer mouse cursor and play games like chess and Civilization VI using only his thoughts. He expressed enthusiasm for the implant's potential to dramatically improve his quality of life, despite acknowledging that the technology is still in its early stages.
Neuralink's technology involves ultra-thin probes inserted into the brain by a neurosurgical robot, capable of recording and stimulating neural activity. The company has developed an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to create a high-channel recording system that can convert neural information into binary code. While the current electrodes are too large to record individual neuron activity, Neuralink believes this issue can be mitigated through algorithmic solutions.
However, Neuralink has faced criticism and controversy regarding its animal testing practices. The company has conducted experiments on monkeys, pigs, and other animals, leading to allegations of animal mistreatment and abuse by groups such as the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). Neuralink has denied these claims, but reports suggest that rushed testing timelines may have led to unnecessary animal suffering and deaths. The company has been under federal investigation by the USDA, and lawmakers have called for the SEC to investigate potential deception of investors regarding animal deaths.
Despite these challenges, Neuralink received FDA approval for human clinical trials in May 2023, after addressing safety concerns related to the device's lithium battery, potential wire migration, and removal procedures. The company has begun recruiting participants with quadriplegia due to spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for their first human trials.
As Neuralink continues to advance its technology and expand human trials, our Íæż½ã½ã feed will keep you informed about the latest developments, breakthroughs, and controversies surrounding the company. We cover updates from Elon Musk, Neuralink Corp., and key players in the field of brain-computer interfaces, providing a comprehensive overview of this exciting and rapidly evolving area of neurotechnology. Stay tuned for timely news and analysis on the potential applications, ethical implications, and scientific progress of Neuralink and other BCI initiatives.