Key Points
- Tech company Neuralink claims it has successfully implanted a wireless brain chip in a human for the first time.
- It's one of several companies developing chips that could help people with complex neurological conditions.
- But Neuralink, co-founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk, faces scrutiny over its safety protocols.
Elon Musk's Neuralink startup claims to have successfully installed a wireless brain chip in its first human patient.
The neurotechnology company aims to build direct communication channels between the brain and computers, to potentially overcome complex neurological conditions.
"Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Musk said on X on Monday, without providing any verified records or information about the procedure.
Spikes are activity by neurons, which the National Institute of Health describes as cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information around the brain and to the body.
So how does the chip work, and what would achieving a connection do?
What is a brain-computer interface?
Neuralink, co-founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is developing a chip implant called the 'Link' to be placed inside the human brain, behind the ear, through invasive surgery.
The device is the size of five stacked coins and has an array of ultra-thin wires, roughly 20 times thinner than human hair, fanning into the patient's brain.
Elon Musk showed off the Neuralink disc implant in 2020, labelling it the future of humanity. Credit: AFP
What could Neuralink's brain machine do?
Neuralink's initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.
"Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal," Musk said on X, referring to the late British scientist who had motor neurone disease.
The company's long-term ambition is to treat neurological disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson's disease.
The US Food and Drug Administration officially cleared the company for human trials in May 2023 after it reportedly demonstrated the chip's ability to stimulate movement in pigs and monkeys.
While medical use is the official aim, Musk has also stated he hopes to one day achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
The tech tycoon has touted the possibility of telepathy, using the technology to store memories or to enable humans to continue their existence without their bodies.
Dutch man's case sparks hope for humanity's future
Billions of dollars are flowing into BCI technology as it has the potential to play a big part in humanity's future.
Last May, a Dutch man paralysed in a motorcycle accident regained the ability to walk thanks to implants that restored communication between his brain and spinal cord.
The Australian-based company Synchron, formed more than a decade ago, has also rolled out a BCI implant to nine people with ALS.
Its implant allows patients to use messaging apps or browse online using only eye movements and thoughts.
Unlike Neuralink's Link, its implant version does not require cutting into the skull to install it.
The technology has won backing from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon's Jeff Bezos.
What are criticisms of Neuralink?
Neuralink has faced scrutiny over its safety protocols as recently as late November.
Elon Musk said on X that he hoped Neuralink would one day play a role in "AI risk civilizational risk reduction by improving human to AI bandwidth". Source: AP / Susan Walsh
They referred to veterinary records which showed problems with the implants in monkeys included paralysis, seizures and brain swelling.
Musk denied the claims on social media, stating no monkey has died from the implant and that the company chose "terminal" monkeys to minimise risk to healthy ones.
Investigations into the claims of animal abuse are ongoing.
- With additional reporting from AFP and AAP
