Elon Musk Is Obsessed With Sewing A Chip Into Your Brain
Elon Musk announced on January 29th on X, formally known as Twitter, that his start-up Neuralink implanted a brain chip into its first human subject. He said they are "recovering well," and "Initial results show promising neuron spike detection."
The name of the implant is Telepathy, and the trial was FDA-approved despite the administration typically not confirming human trials.
Neuralink has created an electro-laden computer chip sewn into the brain's surface. A robotic device performs the surgery. The company is taking a more invasive method than its competitors, predicting the implant will transfer data from the brain to a computer faster than devices with fewer electrodes or ones placed outside the brain. Musk imagines that the device could be frequently updated. At an event in November, he said, "I'm pretty sure you would not want the iPhone 1 stuck in your head if the iPhone 14 is available."
The device is placed in the part of the brain that controls movement and interprets brain activity so external technology such as phones and computers can be controlled by thought. The technology is similar to that of Stephen Hawking's speech-generating device. The product will initially be used by people who have lost the ability to use their limbs.
Before, the company only conducted its research on animals. Previously, they implanted a chip into a monkey, Pager, and taught him to play Pong only with his mind. In the video, he uses a joystick out of habit, but it's unplugged. The Neuralink could be paired to an iPhone just as it can be paired to Bluetooth.
Controversy has been present with the company, with Reuters reporting debilitating health effects in the monkeys. They also reported that the company violated the US Department of Transportation rules for transferring hazardous materials.
Brain chips aren't actually all that new and have been around for decades. At least 42 people worldwide have had implants. In 2016, a paralyzed man fistbumped Obama with a robotic hand that was powered by a brain chip. The field known as brain-computer interface hopes to restore function to those with paralysis.
Clinical trials are open to those with quadriplegia due to a spinal cord injury or ALS. Participants must be at least 22 years old. The study is anticipated to take six years to complete.
While competing companies work toward therapeutic treatments, Musk hopes for a vast use of this technology. He proposes it could amplify human ability in general. He has spoken of getting humans on the road of "symbiosis with artificial intelligence." Even suggesting that he would get the device put in his own brain.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Allan McCay, a fellow at the University of Sydney's Law School who studies ethical issues regarding emerging neurotechnologies, said, "A society where some people are cognitively enhanced and others aren't could create a class divide like nothing ever."
Neuralink has extensively presented its technology and plans to avoid brain tissue scarring. Ryan Merkley, the director of research advocacy with the Physicians Committee, said, "Musk needs to drop his obsession with sticking a device in our heads." He suggested that the company opt for more non-invasive procedures.
McCay highlights that the use of neurotechnology could have beneficial applications like treatment for severe depression, epilepsy, and locked-in syndrome.
Is Musk overly ambitious with this project, or will it be a successful venture?
Strike Out,
Kim Nguyen
Boca Raton
Kim Nguyen is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When not overthinking, this fangirl is either consuming romance media, Vietnamese coffee, or Beyoncé's discography. You can reach her by email at kimvunguyen14@gmail.comor on Instagram @kimnguyen1_.
