Neuralink has successfully implanted a brain-computer interface into a human. The pursuant clinical trial aims to enable individuals with paralysis to control devices with their thoughts.
Key Facts
1. First Human Implant
Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has achieved a major breakthrough by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface into a human patient.
2. Targeted Participants for Clinical Trial
The clinical trial will focus on patients with quadriplegia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aged 22 and above, offering hope for those with severe movement impairments.
3. Wireless Brain-Computer Interface
Neuralink’s technology aims to empower individuals to control devices using their thoughts, potentially revolutionising the lives of people with paralysis.
Elon Musk announced on 31 January, 2024 that the first human had received a brain implant from his Neuralink company. The procedure is believed to have taken place on Sunday, 28 January, 2024.
Musk added in his post that the initial results show promising neural spike detection.
The FDA provided clearance for the company to embark on human testing for its neural-chip technology in 2023.
In September 2023, Neuralink announced it was opening recruitment for its first human clinical trials of its implant.
The trial is being overseen by an independent institutional review board, and the goal of the study is to assess the functionality of its wireless brain-computer interface for those with movement impairments or paralysis of all four limbs to control devices with their thoughts.
SOURCE: Science Alert
