Neuralink, Owned by Elon Musk, Achieves Milestone with First Human Brain Chip Implant

Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, successfully implanted its first human patient with a revolutionary brain chip. Musk confirmed that the initial recipient is recovering well after the implantation.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Musk shared promising early results, stating, “Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.” The implanted chip, according to Musk, empowers users to control devices such as phones and computers through mere thoughts.

Reuters reports that these neuron spikes, indicative of neural activity, are signals transmitted by cells in the brain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearance last year for Neuralink’s first human trial, a significant step toward the company’s goal of addressing paralysis and various neurological conditions.

The trial, known as the PRIME Study, employs a surgical robot to place a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in the brain region responsible for movement intentions. Neuralink aims to enable participants to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts.

The implant utilizes “ultra-fine” threads to transmit signals within participants’ brains. Musk revealed that the inaugural product from Neuralink will be named “Telepathy.”

Neuralink, however, faces scrutiny over safety protocols. In response to a Reuters request for details, the company has not yet provided a response. The startup had received fines for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules concerning hazardous material movement.

Valued at approximately $5 billion last June, Neuralink encountered further challenges in November when lawmakers urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate potential misinformation by Musk regarding the technology’s safety. Reports earlier in the year revealed issues with implants on monkeys, including paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling. Musk, in a social media post on September 10, 2023, claimed no monkey had died due to Neuralink implants, emphasizing the careful selection of “terminal” monkeys to minimize risks to healthy ones.