Neuralink Begins Human Trials with Ambitious Goals Amid Scrutiny
Elon Musk's Neuralink has initiated human testing of its brain chip, aiming to treat neurological conditions and eventually achieve human-AI symbiosis, despite facing ethical and safety concerns.
- Elon Musk's company Neuralink has started implanting its brain chips in humans, with the first human patient implanted in January 2024, aiming to treat conditions such as paralysis and blindness.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neuralink for human trials in 2023, after initially rejecting the company's bid due to concerns over potential risks.
- Neuralink faces criticism for its animal testing practices and missed projections for human trials, with allegations of animal suffering and ethical concerns regarding the technology.
- U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer has raised concerns about the FDA's oversight of Neuralink, questioning the agency's inspection processes and the company's safety lapses.
- Neuralink's first human patient, Nolan Arbaugh, has been able to control a PC with his thoughts, showcasing the potential benefits of the technology despite the controversies.