Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, plans to test its devices on humans to develop “brain-machine interfaces” connecting humans and computers. However, the US Food and Drug Administration rejected the company’s application for human trials due to safety concerns. Neuralink is now seeking a partner with experience in medical trials to help it conduct human testing, although it has not disclosed any details about potential partners or a testing timeline. The technology involves implanting tiny electrodes into a person’s brain, enabling them to communicate directly with a computer. The company aims to cure diseases like paralysis and blindness. However, Neuralink has faced criticism for its animal testing practices, and in 2022, the US Department of Agriculture launched an investigation into possible breaches of animal welfare regulations at the company. In addition, during prototype testing of their BCI implants at the University of California, Davis Primate Center, the company experienced monkey deaths and was accused of animal cruelty.
Elon Musk’s Brain Implant Company, Neuralink, Plans to Conduct Human Trials
Neuralink, the brain implant company founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is developing “brain-machine interfaces” that would establish a direct connection between humans and computers. The company is now seeking approvals to test its devices on human beings.
Neuralink is reportedly looking for partners with experience in conducting medical trials to help it with human testing of its devices. The company has not disclosed which organizations it is in talks with or when it plans to begin testing. In early 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration rejected Neuralink’s application to begin human trials, citing safety concerns.
The technology that Neuralink is developing involves implanting tiny electrodes into a person’s brain, enabling them to connect directly with a computer. Musk has described the technology as a “high-bandwidth interface to the brain” and has suggested that it could eventually allow humans to communicate telepathically. However, no company has yet received US approval to bring a brain-computer interface implant to market.
Neuralink’s ultimate goal is to cure diseases like paralysis and blindness, but the company has faced criticism for its animal testing practices. In 2022, the US Department of Agriculture launched an investigation into possible breaches of animal welfare regulations at the company. Current and former employees reported that the company’s rushed animal experiments resulted in avoidable fatalities.
In a recent tweet, Musk commented on the abilities of the newly launched GPT-4, which has passed many tests originally meant for humans and is capable of handling more complex questions than its predecessor. Musk asked what humans will do and suggested that they “get a move on with Neuralink.”
Neuralink’s work could have significant implications for the future of technology and medicine, but it remains to be seen whether the company can overcome safety concerns and gain approval for its human trials.
Neuralink Accused of Animal Cruelty Following Monkey Deaths During Prototype Testing
In February of last year, Neuralink revealed that prototype testing of their brain-computer interface (BCI) implants at the University of California, Davis Primate Center had resulted in the death of monkeys. Following this incident, the company was accused of animal cruelty. Elon Musk denied the charges and stated that the company conducts rigorous benchtop testing and takes extreme care before considering implanting a device in an animal.
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