Elon Musk's Neuralink Reaches Major Milestone With First Human Implant

Elon Musk's neurotechnology company Neuralink has reached a major milestone in its development by successfully implanting its innovative brain chip in a human for the first time.

Neuralink announced on 29th January that the first patient had received one of its tiny, computer-chip brain implants. According to Musk's tweet, initial results from the patient have shown promising detection of neuron spikes - electrical signals produced by brain cells which Neuralink's technology aims to interpret.

This first successful human implantation marks a critical step forward for Neuralink on its quest to develop a working brain-machine interface. The news comes after years of research and trials, plus recent regulatory approval to launch preliminary human trials.

How The Neuralink Implant Works

The coin-sized Neuralink implant itself is invisible when inserted in the brain. It contains over 1,000 electrodes spread across tiny threads thinner than a human hair. This allows it to precisely monitor brain activity.

The robotic surgery system places the implant in an area of the brain related to intention of movement. The implant then records brain signals and transmits them wirelessly to a computer. Specialised Neuralink software decodes the signals into the patient's intended movements.

Initial Goals of Human Trials

According to the company, the first goal for the implanted device will be basic computer cursor and keyboard control via the patient's thoughts alone. This could restore critical communication and independence for those paralysed by injury or disease.

The small initial trial, dubbed the Prime Study, aims to establish the safety of the implant and surgery before expanding tests. Neuralink estimates the full trial could take up to 6 years to run its course.

Broader Ambitions

While initially focused on assisting paralysis patients, CEO Elon Musk has voiced much broader long-term ambitions for Neuralink's technology. He believes it could one day be used to treat neurological conditions like depression, addiction, Parkinson's Disease, and dementia. There are even suggestions that in future, healthy individuals could utilise implants to boost intelligence.

Conclusion

For now though, Neuralink is still firmly focused on obtaining full regulatory approval and demonstrating both safety and success with its first implants. If all goes smoothly, this neurotechnology could move from experimental concept to practical solution for paralysis sufferers far faster than many ever expected. But there is still a very long road ahead.