Elon Musk Announces Successful Neuralink Brain Chip Implant in Human Recipient Amidst Controversy

New Delhi: Elon Musk, billionaire founder of Neuralink, announced on Monday successful completion of first human brain implant procedure conducted by brain-chip startup. Musk shared news on social media, stating that recipient underwent innovative procedure on Sunday and is currently in process of recovery.

" first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well," Musk posted on his social media platform, X. announcement comes after Neuralink secured clearance from US Food and Drug ministration (FDA) last year, allowing company to proceed with its inaugural trial to test brain implants on humans.

Musk's post included ditional information, noting, "Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," hinting at positive outcomes from early stages of groundbreaking experiment.

Neuralink's website confirms that brain-chip startup has obtained approval from independent institutional review board, marking a significant milestone in company's quest to pioneer vancements in brain-machine interface technology. 

What is PRIME Study?

An investigational medical device trial known as PRIME Study (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) is underway, seeking to assess safety and functionality of a fully-implantable, wireless brain-computer interface (BCI). company conducting trial aims to evaluate both N1 Implant and R1 Robot, with a focus on enabling individuals with paralysis to control external devices using ir thoughts.

As outlined on company's website, R1 Robot plays a pivotal role during study by surgically placing ultra-fine and flexible thres of N1 Implant in a specific region of brain associated with movement intention. Once positioned, N1 Implant becomes cosmetically invisible and is designed to wirelessly record and transmit brain signals to an app, decoding movement intentions. primary objective of BCI is to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through ir thoughts.

PRIME Study is being conducted under investigational device exemption (IDE) awarded by FDA in May 2023 and represents an important step in our mission to create a generalised brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs, website ded.

Elon Musk's brain chip experiments and criticisms

Elon Musk and his company, Neuralink, found mselves under intense scrutiny following widespre criticism of ir ‘brain chips’ trial on laboratory animals. controversy began in February 2022 when Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine lodged a complaint, accusing Neuralink of conducting ‘invasive and dely brain experiments’ on lab animals.

By December of same year, federal authorities initiated an investigation into Neuralink for potential violations of animal welfare standards. Disturbing documents surfaced, revealing that company h reportedly euthanised approximately 1,500 animals, including rats, monkeys, pigs, and mice, since 2018.

In response to se grave allegations, Neuralink fought back, vehemently defending its practices. company contended that rhesus macaque monkeys under its care were treated with utmost respect and honour by Neuralink team.

(With agency inputs)