Elon Musk Says a Third Patient Got a Neuralink Brain Implant
A Booming Field of Brain-Computer Interfaces
Elon Musk announced that a third person has received an implant from his brain-computer interface company Neuralink, joining a growing list of individuals with experimental devices designed to connect the nervous system to machines.
Neuralink’s Progress
According to Musk, the company has upgraded the devices with more electrodes, higher bandwidth, and longer battery life since the first implant about a year ago. He also stated that Neuralink hopes to implant the experimental devices in 20 to 30 more people this year.
Updates on Previous Patients
Musk did not provide any details about the latest patient, but there are updates on the previous ones. The second recipient, who has a spinal cord injury and received the implant last summer, was playing video games with the help of the device and learning how to use computer-aided design software to create 3-D objects. The first patient, also paralyzed after a spinal cord injury, described how the device helped him play video games and chess.
Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Growing Field
While Neuralink often attracts notice, many other companies and research groups are working on similar projects. Two studies last year in the New England Journal of Medicine described how brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, helped people with ALS communicate better.
Who’s Working on Brain-Computer Interface Technology?
More than 45 trials involving brain-computer interfaces are underway, according to a U.S. database of studies. The efforts are aimed at helping treat brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries, and other uses.
What are the Benefits of BCIs?
Marco Baptista, chief scientific officer of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, called BCI technology “very exciting” with potential benefits to people with paralysis. Through clinical trials, “we’ll be able to see what’s going to be the winning approach,” he said.
How are BCIs Tested and Regulated?
Neuralink announced in 2023 that it had gotten permission from U.S. regulators to begin testing its device in people. The FDA tends to be involved in all steps from recruiting patients to testing devices to analyzing data, prioritizing safety.
Conclusion
Brain-computer interfaces are a rapidly growing field with potential benefits to people with paralysis and other conditions. While Neuralink is one of the most well-known companies working on this technology, many other groups are also making progress. As research continues to advance, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the future.
FAQs
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk. The company aims to develop devices that can read and write neural signals to enable people to control technology with their minds.
What are brain-computer interfaces?
Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, are devices that allow people to control technology with their brains. They use electrodes to record neural signals, which are then interpreted by computers or other devices.
How safe are brain-computer interfaces?
While brain-computer interfaces are still experimental, they are subject to rigorous testing and regulation to ensure safety. The FDA prioritizes safety and involves itself in all steps of the testing process, from recruiting patients to analyzing data.
