Emerging Technologies: The History and Mission of Neuralink

On May 25, 2023, Neuralink, a company founded by business magnate tech Elon Musk, received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct in-human trials for a brain-machine interface (BMI) chip.

In this blog, we will go over what Neuralink is, its intent, its history, and the significance of it receiving approval to conduct in-human trials.

In this Blog,

1. What is Neuralink?

2. Surgical Step

3. The Good vs Bad

4. Conclusion

What is Neuralink?

To begin, who is the brains of this company? Elon Musk is a billionaire investor and owner of several innovative companies: Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink. With a simple mission statement, Musk's goal for Neuralink is to "create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow."

As the name implies, a brain-machine interface is a device that allows communication between the brain and external software or hardware, such as a computer or prosthetic. With the use of BMI, scientists and engineers are able to restore or replace functionality to people who have been disabled neurologically, physically, or by any other means.

Now, let us go over what the company actually does. Neuralink aims to develop a BMI technology that can seamlessly connect the human brain with computers. The primary goal is to enhance human cognition and to create a direct, high-bandwidth link between humans and the digital devices around us.

In addition to communication with electronics, Neurolink also addresses various neurological conditions and disorders, by enabling better understanding and treatment of brain-related ailments. Some of the potential applications include (Neuralink, n.d.):

1. Restoring lost sensory functions: Neuralink could potentially help individuals with sensory impairments, such as blindness or deafness by directly stimulating the relevant areas of the brain to bypass damaged sensory organs.
2. Treating neurological disorders: The technology could provide new ways to treat conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders by modulating brain activity or delivering targeted therapies.
3. Enhancing cognitive abilities: Neuralink has the potential to augment human cognition by creating a more direct and efficient interface between the brain and computers. This could enable faster communication, enhanced memory, and even the ability to directly access instant information from the internet.
4. Improving human-computer interactions: With a brain-machine interface, individuals could potentially control computers or digital devices with their thoughts, eliminating the need for physical input devices and enabling a more seamless interaction.
5. Advancing artificial intelligence (AI): Neuralink's technology could facilitate the integration of AI systems with the human brain, allowing for enhanced collaboration and improved problem-solving capabilities.

Surgical Step

The process of installing the Neuralink chip in the human brain involves the following steps:

1. Pre-operative planning: Detailed imaging techniques are used to map the brain's structure and identify target areas for implantation.
2. Anesthesia: The patient undergoes general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and do not feel any pain during the procedure.
3. Burr hole creation: A specialized drill creates a small hole in the skull at a predetermined location based on pre-operative planning.
4. Insertion of the Neuralink device: The Neuralink chip, approximately the size of a coin, is inserted through the burr hole into the brain. A robotic surgical system is often used for precision and minimal tissue damage. Fine threads or electrodes attached to the chip are gently implanted into the brain tissue to establish neural connections.
5. Closing the incision: Once the Neuralink device is in place, the incision in the skull is closed using sutures or staples. The device is designed to sit flush with the skull, leaving no visible hardware outside the body.

The Good vs Bad

Neuralink, like any emerging technology, has potential benefits and challenges. Here are some potential pros and cons associated with Neuralink:

Pros:

1. Medical advancements: Neuralink could offer significant medical benefits by providing new ways to treat neurological disorders, restore lost sensory functions, and improve overall brain health and cognition.
2. Enhanced human capabilities: With a brain-machine interface, individuals could potentially have access to advanced computing power, memory enhancements, and improved communication, enabling new levels of human achievement and collaboration.
3. Improved human-computer interaction: Neuralink could revolutionize how humans interact with computers and digital devices, allowing for seamless and intuitive control through direct brain-computer interfaces.
4. Potential for scientific research: The technology could provide researchers with new insights into the workings of the human brain, leading to advancements in neuroscience and our understanding of cognition.

Cons:

1. Surgical risks and safety concerns: The implantation of the Neuralink device requires a surgical procedure, which comes with inherent risks such as infection, bleeding, or damage to brain tissue. Ensuring the safety and reliability of the technology will be a critical consideration.
2. Ethical considerations: The development of brain-machine interfaces raises ethical questions, such as privacy concerns regarding the collection and storage of sensitive neural data, potential misuse of the technology, and questions about consent and human augmentation.
3. Accessibility and equity: Neuralink, in its early stages, may be expensive and accessible to only a select few, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in healthcare and opportunities for enhancement.
4. Long-term effects and unknown risks: As Neuralink is a relatively new technology, the long-term effects on the brain and the potential risks associated with chronic implantation are not yet fully understood. Thorough research and rigorous testing are necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of the technology.

Conclusion

The installation of the Neuralink chip in the human brain involves a surgical procedure that aims to establish a direct interface between the brain and computers. Through pre-operative planning, anesthesia, burr hole creation, insertion of the Neuralink device, and closing the incision, a team of medical professionals works to implant the chip and establish neural connections within the brain.

This procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of brain-machine interfaces and holds the potential to enhance human cognition, treat neurological disorders, and revolutionize human-computer interaction. However, further research, rigorous testing, and ethical considerations are necessary to ensure the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of this technology. As Neuralink continues to develop and refine its approach, the future holds both promises and challenges in the realm of neural connectivity and its potential impact on human lives.

References

Neuralink. (n.d.). Neuralink. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://neuralink.com/#mission

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.