Elon Musk recently announced that a third person has received an implant from his brain-computer interface company Neuralink, which aims to connect the nervous system to machines. Musk revealed during an interview that all three individuals with Neuralink implants are functioning well. Since the initial brain implant a year ago, the company has made advancements in the devices, including more electrodes, higher bandwidth, and longer battery life. Neuralink plans to implant these experimental devices in 20 to 30 more individuals this year.
The second recipient, who has a spinal cord injury, received the implant last summer and has been able to play video games and learn computer-aided design software. The first patient, also paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury, reported improvements in playing video games and chess with the device.
While Neuralink's progress garners attention, numerous other companies and research groups are also working on brain-computer interface technology. Over 45 trials involving brain-computer interfaces are currently underway, focusing on treating brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries, and other applications.
Neuralink's unique approach involves using a robot to implant flexible electrode threads into the human brain to record neural activity and control devices. Additionally, Neuralink's threads may record from more neurons than other interfaces. However, the full advantages of Neuralink's approach are yet to be demonstrated, with competitors like Synchron, Blackrock Neurotech, and Onward Medical exploring less invasive or more versatile methods.
BCI technology holds promise for individuals with paralysis, offering potential benefits. Clinical trials will help determine the most effective approaches in this field. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation supports research teams working on BCI technology, emphasizing the importance of high-risk, high-reward endeavors.
Neuralink received permission from U.S. regulators to begin testing its device in people in 2023. High-risk medical devices like Neuralink's require an investigational device exemption from the FDA, ensuring rigorous safety standards. The FDA oversees all stages of testing and data analysis, prioritizing patient safety. Institutional review boards play a crucial role in ensuring ethical standards are met in all research involving human subjects.
