Neuralink is a company founded by Musk to provide brain implants
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Elon Musk has confirmed that a third person has received an implant from his brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, which is working on groundbreaking technology to connect the human nervous system with machines. Speaking during an interview at a Las Vegas event, Musk shared that, “We’ve got … three humans with Neuralinks and all are working well,” highlighting the progress the company has made.
Since the first implant a year ago, Neuralink has enhanced its devices, adding more electrodes, increasing bandwidth, and extending battery life. Musk mentioned that the company plans to implant its experimental devices in 20 to 30 more individuals this year.
Though Musk did not provide specifics about the latest patient, there are updates on the previous two:
- The second patient, who has a spinal cord injury, was implanted last summer and is now using the device to play video games and learn 3D design software.
- The first patient, also paralyzed from a spinal injury, has been using the device to play video games and chess, showcasing the technology’s potential to help those with paralysis regain some autonomy.
Despite Neuralink’s high profile, several other companies and research groups are also advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Two studies published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine reported how BCIs are helping people with ALS communicate more effectively.
Other Companies in the BCI Space
Over 45 trials involving BCIs are currently underway, according to a U.S. database of medical studies. These trials are focused on treating brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries, and other potential uses.
Rajesh Rao, co-director of the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington, pointed out that BCIs have already shown promising results in enabling people to control computer cursors with their brains. Neuralink is distinguished in two major ways:
- Surgical approach: Neuralink uses robots to implant flexible electrode threads into the human brain to record neural activity and control devices.
- Neuronal recording: The threads are designed to capture signals from more neurons than other current BCI technologies.
However, Rao notes that the advantages of Neuralink’s approach remain unproven, and other companies—such as Synchron, Blackrock Neurotech, and Onward Medical—are making strides with either less invasive methods or approaches that combine neural recording with stimulation.
Potential Benefits of BCIs
Marco Baptista, Chief Scientific Officer at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, called BCI technology “very exciting” for its potential to help people with paralysis. He emphasized that clinical trials will ultimately determine which approach proves most successful. Though the foundation has not funded Neuralink, Baptista acknowledged the high-risk, high-reward nature of this research.
“We need to support high-risk, high-reward endeavors,” Baptista said. “We don’t know how safe it’s going to be. We don’t know how feasible it’s going to be.”
Testing and Regulation of BCIs
In 2023, Neuralink received permission from U.S. regulators to begin human testing of its devices. However, unlike most medical devices, which can enter the market without clinical trials, high-risk devices like Neuralink’s require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This process involves obtaining an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), which the FDA has not confirmed for Neuralink’s specific study.
Dr. Rita Redberg, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, explained that the FDA’s role is comprehensive, overseeing everything from patient recruitment to device testing and data analysis, with safety as a primary concern.
Another layer of oversight involves Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which are responsible for ensuring that the risks of a clinical trial are reasonable and that patients are fully informed before participating. IRBs must include non-scientists and independent members who ensure the ethics of the research.
Conclusion
While Neuralink has gained significant attention for its work, it is far from the only company pursuing the potential of BCIs. With several trials underway and advancements in technology, the future of brain-computer interfaces holds promise, particularly for people with paralysis and other brain-related conditions. However, the risks, challenges, and long-term feasibility of this technology remain subjects of ongoing investigation.
