Neuralink is a brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk.
History
2024
Neuralink brain implant breaks in first person's head to whom it was implanted
On May 8, 2024, Ilona Musk's Neuralink company announced that its brain implant had failed in the head of the first person to whom it was implanted. The problem does not pose a threat to the patient's life and health.
The first recipient of the Neuralink implant was 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed below the shoulders. He was seriously injured while diving, and in January 2024 underwent a procedure to implant a Neuralink microchip. This small, coin-sized device reads brain activity using microscopic wires. The data is then interpreted and converted into control commands for the computer. As a result, a person gets the opportunity to perform certain actions "by the power of thought."
An implanted Neuralink chip was reported to have allowed Noland Arbo to "reconnect with the world." The man uses the interface "brain - computer" for eight hours a day, and on weekends - ten. The system records neural signals using 1,024 electrodes over 64 "threads," which are thinner than a human hair. However, after a few weeks of use, the number of effective electrodes decreased. It is said that several "threads" turned out to be inoperable. Because of this, the accuracy of obtaining data has decreased.
Neuralink reportedly considered removing the implant, but eventually decided to keep it. As a workaround, Musk's company changed the signal processing algorithm, improved the user interface and implemented a new method of converting data into cursor movements on a computer monitor. In general, as noted, a new brain-computer interface can help patients with paralysis control external devices. The technology gives hope to a huge number of people who, for one reason or another, were paralyzed, to regain contact with the outside world.[1]
First Patient Video
On March 20, 2024, Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, demonstrated how the first patient with a neurochip implanted in the brain interacts with a computer with the power of thought. 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed below the shoulders, successfully played chess without touching any controls.
Arbo is left paralyzed in an accident that occurred while diving. In January 2024, the man received a specialized chip developed by Neuralink specialists. This coin-sized device implants into the skull and reads brain activity using microscopic wires. The obtained data is transmitted via wireless communication to a computer, where they are analyzed and converted into certain commands.
 | The neurochip implantation operation was very easy. I was released from the hospital literally a day later. I have no cognitive impairment, "notes Arbo. |  |
With the implanted chip, the patient was able to play Civilization VI on a computer for eight hours in a row. In addition, Neuralink showed Arbo controlling the cursor on the computer screen while playing chess by the power of thought. At the same time, the man admits that the technology is not ideal and he faced some difficulties.
| | I don't want people to think Neuralink's solution is perfect. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the technology has already changed my life, says the man. | |
Kip Ludwig, former director of the neural engineering program at the National Institutes, health care USA notes that post-implantation is in the earliest stages of development. Therefore, both Neuralink and the patient itself have a long way to go to maximize the control capabilities through the neurochip.[2]
First Neuralink patient to receive brain implant
On January 29, 2024, Elon Musk announced that the first Neuralink patient received an implant in the brain. Musk reported that the patient is recovering well and that the first results of the procedure were promising.
Neuralink's goal is to allow people to control computers with thoughts. The startup is a leader in the growing brain-computer technology sector.
2023
Death of 12 monkeys after implants
On November 30, 2023, it became known that at least 12 monkeys died after implanting brain implants of Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk. However, the billionaire himself claims that the installation of Neuralink devices is not the root cause of the death of these experimental animals.
Neuralink, which develops brain-computer interfaces, selected monkeys that were already close to death for its research program, Musk said. The experiments are said to be carried out on animals that "may not have the proper quality of life due to a pre-existing disease." The statement refers to two monkeys that were euthanized within the planned timeframe and six animals that were euthanized according to medical guidelines from veterinary staff at the University of California, Davis, where Neuralink conducted research on primates.
| | No monkey died as a result of implantation of the Neuralink implant. To minimize the risk to healthy animals, we chose monkeys that were in a near-death state, Musk notes. | |
At the same time, the Committee of Physicians for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which also opposes animal experiments, claims to have received records from the University of California, Davis, stating that 12 monkeys died shortly after the Neuralink devices were implanted. As of the end of November 2023, Neuralink is conducting research in its own laboratory in Fremont, California. It includes spacious rooms with toys, televisions and equipment for active pastime. According to Musk, "paradise conditions" have been created for animals here[3]
Search for candidates to conduct the first brain implant trials to control devices with thought
In September 2023, Neuralink, a brain chip company owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, announced that it had received permission from an independent expert council to conduct the first human trials of its brain implant for patients with paralysis.
The aim of the study is to test the safety and effectiveness of the company's wireless implantable brain-computer interface, which will allow people with paralysis to control external devices with their thoughts.
The startup is looking for candidates for a brain implant.
Obtaining FDA approval to conduct clinical trials to implant a chip in the human brain
In May 2023, Neuralink received FDA approval to conduct clinical trials to implant a chip in the human brain.
The company's device is designed to help people with paralysis or traumatic brain injuries communicate and control a computer using only their thoughts.
Ban on human trials of neurochips after wires hit wrong brain areas and defective batteries
In early March 2023, it became known that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not issue permission to Elon Musk's neurotechnological company Neuralink to test the neurochip in humans.
Elon Musk has repeatedly announced experiments on humans, Neuralink did not apply for FDA permission until early 2022. On December 2, 2022, at a speech at the company's headquarters, Musk announced that human tests would begin in the next six months. At the same time, he said that he was ready to implant a chip from Neuralink in his children in case of serious injury.
The FDA rejected Neuralink's application, citing "a lot of issues" that still need to be addressed before the tests. The main concerns related to the device's battery, the likelihood of implant wires entering non-target areas of the brain and questions of safely removing the device, sources from Neuralink told Reuters. Sources at Neuralink refused to provide Reuters with the agency's written waiver, which is a legally confidential document. Employees, including four people who read the FDA document and others with knowledge of the agency's concerns, spoke about the safety concerns in interviews on condition of anonymity.
It has been a year since the FDA refused, but Neuralink is still trying to refine its technology so that it does not cause complaints from the regulator. According to Reuters interlocutors, the company will not be able to do this in the near future. Nevertheless, back in November 2022, Elon Musk said that his company was preparing for human tests of the chip, and they should begin supposedly this spring. At the same time, Musk argued that most of the documents required to obtain FDA approval are already ready.
The FDA refusals, according to Reuters, do not mean that Neuralink will ultimately not be able to obtain the agency's permission to conduct human tests. However, according to more than a dozen experts involved in the approval processes of devices in the FDA, the refusal of the department indicates serious problems. The failure also raises the stakes and complexity of the company's subsequent requests for trial approval, experts said.
Since 2016, the American neurotechnological company Neuralink has been developing interfaces for connecting the human brain to computers. This will allow people with disabilities to communicate with others again and restore the motor activity of the limbs.[4]
Negligence in the supply of medical equipment infected with herpes virus and dangerous pathogens
In the United States, an investigation has been initiated into Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk. This was reported on February 9, 2023 in a letter to the American Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg (Pete Buttigieg).
Claims against Neuralink involve the potentially illegal movement of dangerous pathogens. The Committee of Physicians for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) reported that in 2019 Neuralink may have improperly handled implants extracted from the brain of primates. They could carry dangerous diseases such as herpes B virus and antibiotic-resistant pathogens including staphylococcus and klebsiella.
The PCRM letter said the implants were not stored or transported properly for the reason that Neuralink staff may not have received proper safety training. It is noted that violations are evidenced by public documents. These are, in particular, emails exchanged between Neuralink and the University of California, Davis. The organization partnered with Neuralink between 2017 and 2020 to help the company conduct primate experiments.
In one of the documents dated March 2019, an employee of the University of California at Davis said that the necessary requirements were not met when handling materials. The components were allegedly not disinfected and packaged properly. And therefore there was a threat of infection for all those who could contact the samples.
| | Since the components of the neural device were not sealed and disinfected before leaving the primate center, this posed a danger to anyone who could potentially come into contact with the product. Simple labeling "dangerous" does not take into account the risk of potential herpes B infection, the documents say.[5] | |
2022
Investigation into animal cruelty allegations
The United States has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's Neuralink company. A neurotechnological startup that implanted chips in the brains of monkeys is accused of animal cruelty, writes Reuters.
Hiring a Director of Clinical Trials
In January 2022, it was revealed that Neuralink, which develops brain implants, was hiring a director of clinical trials, suggesting that the company's long-standing goal of implanting chips in the human brain was getting closer.
The job description promises that the applicant will "work closely with some of the most innovative doctors and top engineers," as well as "the first participants in Neuralink clinical trials."
Neuralink's brain implant, which Elon Musk says already allows monkeys to play video games with thoughts alone, is designed to treat a variety of neurological disorders, such as paralysis.
2021: Raising $205 million in investments
At the end of July 2021, Neuralink announced that it had raised $205 million in investments as part of a funding round led by Dubai-based venture capital firm Vy Capital. The startup's assessment of the transaction was not disclosed.
The funding round included investment funds such as Google Ventures, DFJ Growth, Valor Equity Partners, Craft Ventures, Founders Fund and Gigafund. They are also joined by ARCH Venture Partners co-founder Robert Nelson, Paradigm and Coinbase co-founder Fred Ersam, PayPal and Founders Fund co-founder Ken Howery, Byers Capital's Blake Byers, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Dubai-based venture capital fund Vy Capital was founded by Alexander Tamas, a former partner of billionaire Yuri Milner's investment firm DST.
Neuralink's goal is to implant wireless brain computer chips to treat neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease, dementia and spinal cord injuries. The funds will help Neuralink work on a brain implant for quadriplegics, which can eventually help other people with neurological disorders. The next major step for Neuralink will be clinical trials of its device in humans, which has so far been shown on pigs and a monkey.
In April 2021, the company released a video showing a male macaque playing the Mind Pong video game after being implanted with chips on each side of his brain.
| | Neuralink's first product will allow a person with paralysis to use a smartphone with thoughts faster than with thumbs. The device implants on a par with the skull and charges wirelessly, so you look and feel completely normal, "he wrote in Musk his twitter June 2021. | |
Valor Equity Partners, Craft Ventures and Founders Fund also participated in the Series C funding round.
Founded by Musk in 2016, San Francisco-based Neuralink will use the funds to bring its first product, N1 Link, to market as well as research and development.[6]
2017: Building a Company
In March 2017, it became known about the creation by businessman Elon Musk of a new company - Neuralink. She will develop technologies for connecting the human brain with a computer, reports The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The company, registered back in mid-2016, produces recruitment, including brain research specialists. The Neuralink-promoted project is in its early stages, according to a March 27, 2017 WSJ publication.
We are talking about the technology of "neural lace," involving the implantation of electrodes in the brain. With its help, people will be able to download and download their thoughts from a computer. Neuralink also plans that in the future this method will allow treating some diseases, including epilepsy or paralysis.
In one of his speeches, Elon Musk said that the implantation of "neural lace" will not require extensive surgery, since the introduction of electrodes will be carried out through the veins.
It is not known whether Elon Musk will join the leadership of Neurallink or will only be involved in financing individual projects. In January 2017, the entrepreneur in his Twitter blog reported on the upcoming announcement related to "neural lace." Then Musk promised to make a statement "maybe next month."
Information about the creation of the company with the active support of Musk was confirmed to the publication by American entrepreneur Max Hodak, who, as he himself specified, was also among the founders of Neuralink.
Hodak at one time was a research fellow at the Duke University Medical Center, where he was engaged in the creation of a neurocomputer interface for monkeys. He subsequently founded his own company called Transcriptic.[7]
Notes
- ↑ Neuralink’s first in-human brain implant has experienced a problem, company says
- ↑ Musk's Neuralink shows first brain-chip patient playing online chess
- ↑ Musk Says Neuralink Has Never Caused the Death of a Monkey
- ↑ U.S. regulators rejected Elon Musk’s bid to test brain chips in humans, citing safety risks
- ↑ Elon Musk’s Neuralink is under investigation for possible unsafe transport of contaminated hardware
- ↑ Elon Musk’s Brain-Computer Startup Neuralink Raises $205 Million
- ↑ Elon Musk Launches Neuralink to Connect Brains With Computers
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