Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, achieved a significant milestone on Sunday by successfully implanting its first brain chip in a human patient, according to an announcement from the billionaire founder. The patient is reported to be recovering well, with Musk sharing on the social media platform X, “Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.”
Neurons’ activity, described by the National Institute of Health as cells using electrical and chemical signals to transmit information within the brain and to the body, is a key focus of Neuralink’s technology. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearance last year for the company to conduct its inaugural trial, a crucial step in Neuralink’s mission to assist patients dealing with paralysis and various neurological conditions.
The human trial, approved for recruitment in September, involves the use of a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in a brain region controlling the intention to move. Neuralink aims to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts. The “ultra-fine” threads of the implants facilitate signal transmission within participants’ brains.
Elon Musk revealed that the first product resulting from Neuralink’s efforts would be named “Telepathy.” The ongoing PRIME Study assesses the safety of Neuralink’s wireless brain-computer interface and the associated surgical robot.
Despite these advancements, Neuralink has faced scrutiny, particularly concerning safety protocols. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the company was fined for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules related to hazardous material movement. Additionally, concerns were raised about the technology’s safety after veterinary records revealed issues with implants on monkeys, including paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling.
Neuralink, valued at about $5 billion in June, has faced calls for an investigation into whether Musk misled investors about the technology’s safety. Musk addressed concerns in a social media post on September 10, stating that “no monkey has died as a result of a Neuralink implant” and emphasizing the company’s careful selection of “terminal” monkeys to minimize risks to healthy ones.