In a swift development, Neuralink, Elon Musk’s pioneering brain implant company, announced via a tweet on January 30, 2024, that it had successfully received FDA approval and carried out a triumphant Neuralink brain implant procedure. Elon Musk shared that the patient is currently in the process of recovering well post-surgery.
The journey towards this achievement began when Neuralink obtained FDA approval for human trials in May 2023, initiating participant recruitment in the fall of the same year. Targeting individuals with quadriplegia from cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Neuralink asserted in a statement that these candidates could potentially qualify for the groundbreaking research.
The primary objective of Neuralink’s Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), as outlined in the statement, is to empower people to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts.
However, the company faced a contrasting narrative last year when it came under scrutiny for reported violations of the Animal Welfare Act. As of 2024, it has been disclosed that Neuralink has been involved in the deaths of approximately 1,500 animals, including over 280 sheep, pigs, and monkeys. These alleged violations have triggered federal investigations into Neuralink, accusing the organization of breaching welfare laws during its testing procedures.
Despite ongoing trials related to brain implants, Elon Musk has remained relatively tight-lipped about specific procedural details or their current status. Nevertheless, he hinted at promising initial results with neuron spike detection. The successful implementation of this device into a human marks a significant milestone for Neuralink, potentially ushering in a transformative era in experiencing alternative realities.