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What to know about human brain implants

What to know about human brain implants

January 31, 2024

In a groundbreaking development, Elon Musk's Neuralink successfully implanted a computer chip into a person's brain on Sunday, as revealed in Musk's Monday post on his X platform.

Despite providing scant details, Musk's venture is seen as a significant step forward in the field, albeit lagging behind competitors like Synchron, which has been actively enrolling and implanting participants in trials since 2021.

The immediate accessibility of this technology to consumers remains distant, but its potential impact on individuals unable to move or communicate is substantial.

Understanding Brain Implants: A Gateway to Mind-Controlled Devices

Researchers emphasize that brain-computer interfaces enable individuals to control devices, such as computers or phones, using their thoughts.

These devices, placed either on the brain's surface or deep within it, interpret signals from neurons, electrically and chemically transmitting instructions from the brain to various bodily functions.

Neuralink's coin-sized equipment, distinct from Synchron's stent-like device, houses electrodes that observe and interpret neuronal signals, marking a significant stride in brain-controlled technology.

What to know about human brain implants

Unveiling the Technological Mechanism: A Fusion of Science and Computing Power

Dr. Paul Nuyujukian, overseeing the Brain Interfacing Laboratory at Stanford University, explained that recent advances in computing over the past few decades have provided the processing power necessary for creating and training algorithms.

These algorithms estimate and interpret brain signals in real time, building upon a century-old understanding of how the brain controls movement.

Both Neuralink and Synchron devices showcase wireless capabilities, with Neuralink's running on a rechargeable battery communicating wirelessly with the Neuralink application, while Synchron's device connects to a telemetry unit linked to a computer.

What to know about human brain implants

Potential Applications and Future Prospects: Transforming Healthcare

The primary objective of these devices is to assist individuals recovering from strokes, motor degenerative diseases like ALS, or other physical impairments by enabling direct communication with external devices such as phones, tablets, or computers.

Neuralink's recent demonstration involving a monkey named Pager exemplified the technology's potential, allowing the primate to control a cursor with its thoughts and engage in a game of "mind pong."

What to know about human brain implants

Timeline and Regulatory Challenges: Patience Required for Adoption

Dr. Nuyujukian cautioned that advancements in this field take time, particularly navigating the rigorous approval process of the US Food and Drug Administration.

The high risk associated with these implants, including potential bleeding or infections, necessitates thorough evaluation, and approval timelines can extend to 10 to 20 years.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Nuyujukian remains optimistic, asserting that the proven science spanning decades supports the eventual success of this transformative technology.

"There's no reason that this shouldn't be successful," he affirmed. "The science is there and sound, and that gives me a lot of assurance. It is doable."