Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
Elon Musk's brain-chip startup, Neuralink, marked a significant moment as the first human patient successfully received an implant, with the billionaire founder confirming the patient's positive recovery.
Musk shared initial results indicating promising neuron spike detection, a crucial aspect of the brain-chip's functionality. Neuron spikes are activities by neurons, essential cells transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals in the brain and body.
Neuralink received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year to conduct its first human trial, a pivotal step in the startup's mission to address paralysis and various neurological conditions.
The study employed a robot to surgically implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) in a brain region controlling the intention to move. Neuralink aims to enable participants to control a computer cursor or keyboard through their thoughts alone.
Neuralink's implants utilize "ultra-fine" threads to transmit signals within participants' brains.
Elon Musk revealed that the first product from Neuralink will be called Telepathy, indicating the startup's ambition to revolutionize communication through brain-chip technology.
Neuralink has faced scrutiny over safety protocols, with recent fines for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Lawmakers have urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate potential misinformation about technology safety.