by Khan Muzammil
SRINAGAR: If everything goes as per the script, people facing neurological issues may be able to get back certain body functions that were seen utopian so far. The first such device is in operation. Though it has triggered a controversy over safety issues but the FDA has permitted its use.
Neuralink, the brainchild of tech visionary Elon Musk, has marked a historic achievement by successfully implanting a brain-reading device into a person, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in brain-machine interface technology. The milestone enables the individual to control a range of devices, from robotic arms to computers, solely through the power of thought.
This breakthrough aligns with Neuralink’s overarching mission to address neurological conditions through the integration of cutting-edge devices directly into the human brain. Several companies in the industry are pursuing similar approaches, with some still in the developmental stages of their projects.
Commenting on this significant development, Professor Anne Vanhoestenberghe from King’s College London emphasised the importance of Neuralink’s foray into human device implantation. She stressed the need for a long-term evaluation of the success of such ventures, acknowledging the attention brought by Elon Musk’s involvement while advocating for a cautious assessment of the situation.
In May 2023, Neuralink secured FDA approval to initiate human trials for its revolutionary chip. The six-year study involves the use of a specialised robot to implant 64 flexible threads, thinner than a human hair, into a specific brain area controlling “movement intention,” as confirmed by Neuralink.
The chip itself consists of 64 flexible polymer threads, offering an impressive 1,024 sites for recording brain activity. This surpasses the capabilities of other single-neuron recording systems, such as Blackrock Neurotech’s BCIs. Neuralink emphasises the potential for enhanced brain-machine communication bandwidth due to the increased site count, highlighting the flexibility of its threads. The company is also developing a dedicated robot for the precise insertion of these threads into the brain.
Neuralink’s experimental implant, powered by a wirelessly chargeable battery, utilises these threads to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly. These signals are then decoded by an app, revealing the individual’s intended movements.
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, president of the British Neuroscience Association, praised the potential of Neuralink’s technology in assisting people with neurological disorders. She sees it as a prime example of leveraging fundamental neuroscience research for medical advances.
However, Neuralink has faced criticism in the past for animal welfare violations during testing, with approximately 1,500 animal deaths reported in December 2020. As human trials begin, ensuring the safety and well-being of volunteers becomes a paramount concern. While the trial received FDA approval, some researchers express discomfort over its absence from ClinicalTrials.gov, emphasizing the need for transparency.
Researchers are frustrated by the limited information available about the trial’s initiation, mainly relying on Musk’s tweets and a brochure inviting participation. Transparency is crucial for the individuals who stand to benefit from Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), as noted by Ian Burkhart, co-founder of the BCI Pioneers Coalition, who urges Neuralink to improve information release for the benefit of eagerly waiting patients.
