On May 30, 2023, American neurotechnology company Neuralink made an intriguing announcement. The company, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, claimed to have received authorization from the US Department of Health to conduct experiments involving computer chips implanted in the human brain.
Neuralink’s primary objective is to develop computerized chips that can be integrated into both the human brain and body to combat various diseases and health issues. They had previously tested their computerized chip in animal subjects, showcasing its potential.
Seeking to advance their research, Neuralink approached the US Department of Health for permission to conduct human trials using the same computerized chip. Their request was granted, and Neuralink took to Twitter to share the news, mentioning that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had given them the go-ahead for testing the computerized chip in the human brain.
While specific details regarding the approval remain undisclosed, the Associated Press (AP) confirmed the agency’s verification of Neuralink’s permission to proceed with the human testing phase. Further information regarding the trial program is expected to be released soon.
It is anticipated that Neuralink will initiate the trial program by recruiting a limited number of volunteers who will have the computerized chip implanted in their brains. This experimental program aims to address a wide range of health issues, including stroke, epilepsy, depression, severe joint pain, chronic back pain, cognitive impairments, visual and auditory impairments, insomnia, and unconsciousness, among others.
The Neuralink chip, designed to be as small as a grain of rice and remarkably thin, can be safely implanted in the brains of various living beings. It can establish a wireless connection to a smartphone, enabling seamless communication and data transfer.
In addition to its therapeutic applications, the chip can also store human thoughts and memories. Similar to a mobile phone’s SIM card, it can retrieve and replay memories at any given time through a computer or mobile device. It allows for the preservation of past experiences, presenting them in a data format on a screen.
While the recruitment process for the trial program has yet to commence, Neuralink is expected to move forward promptly with the testing phase. The company’s groundbreaking research and potential impact on healthcare have generated substantial anticipation worldwide.
It’s important to note that this article is based on the provided information and may not represent the complete scientific and technical details of Neuralink’s research and its implications accurately.