Computers & internet

Musk: First Human Implanted With Neuralink Chip

JAN 30 2024·Updated JAN 31 2024

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Image credit: Chesnot/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Monday announced in a post on X, the Musk-owned social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the first human is "recovering well" after receiving a brain implant from Neuralink, another one of his companies. Musk added "initial results show promising neuron spike detection."
Elon Musk on X
In a follow-up post, Musk revealed that the chip is called Telepathy, and it will enable control of electronic devices "just by thinking." The first users will be "those who have lost the use of their limbs."
Fortune
Musk's post suggested Neuralink could potentially decode higher-quality brain signals, but he didn't specify how many neurons the device was detecting or the company's safety and efficacy data. The company previously implanted the quarter-sized chip — which is inserted into the skull and attached to tiny threads that relay signals — into monkeys, who were then able to play the video game "Pong."
wsj.com
The human study, which was signed off on by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year, also aims to find whether the chip can help treat neurological disorders, including ALS and Parkinson's, as well as one day form a harmonious relationship between human and artificial intelligence (AI).
www.timesofisrael.com
Musk's announcement comes after Neuralink was recently fined by the Department of Transportation over its transporting of hazardous materials. In addition, four lawmakers last year called for a probe into whether Musk withheld information from investors about potential side effects in monkeys.
www.timesofisrael.com
In response, Musk said there have been no deaths and that they used "terminal" monkeys to minimize risk to healthy ones.
www.timesofisrael.com

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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CRIT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Neuralink has overcome numerous obstacles that were thrown in its way, but this ground-breaking achievement proves the company's relentlessness was well worth it. With over $150M in funding, Musk's startup has raced to the top of its industry.

Business Today

Narrative B

Neuralink has achieved something historic, but it can't get complacent. Already, Chinese scientists have developed their own brain chip and Beijing has set a goal to develop its own Neuralink-like products by next year. Musk better be ready for stiff competition in this unique space.

Business Insider

Narrative C

Moving forward, the negative effects of this sort of technology can't be ignored. These brain chips could be as easily hacked as computers and phones, which could lead to human- or AI-caused harm. Musk and others shouldn't race ahead too quickly.