Neuralink Successfully Implants Brain Chip into Human

The First Human Neuralink Test Trials Have Begun

By Mitchell Kayal, Managing Editor

Jan. 28, 2024, went down as a historic day for scientists and scholars around the world, as it marked the completion of the first successful human Neuralink trial.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2016, Neuralink’s goal has been to develop Brain Computer Interfaces, computerized brain implants which will in theory allow a person to communicate with technological devices “telepathically.” Musk announced the completion of the company’s first successful human trial on his X, formerly Twitter, on Jan. 29, 2024.

“The first human received an implant from Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well,” said Musk. “Initial results show promising Neuron spike detection.”

The data collected by the Neuralink chip will be used to train an algorithm that recognizes each implanted patient’s individual neurological patterns. The algorithm will then translate the participants’ brain activity into computer controls, enabling them to move a cursor or type out words using only their thoughts.

“Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking,” said Musk on his X profile. “Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”

As with many other new technologies, people had things to say about it. Ore Kuye, a senior sports management major at Lynn, had an interesting take when it comes to Neuralink’s potential role in schools.

“I’m pretty comfortable with that, I mean the school already [broadcasts] a lot of stuff about their students, so I don’t think it will be any different than what we are already [used] to,” said Kuye.

While some students see a future where Neuralink technology will become part of the everyday school system, others are more cautious of the technology.

“It’s dangerous because it can lead to people stealing your identity,” said Daniel Meneses, a student musician at Lynn.

Baron Karpuska, a social entrepreneur student, remains very pessimistic about this tech, expressing concern about the integration of AI and humans.

“I believe it will dumb down the human mind and simplify humans,” said Karpuska. “We will replicate the movie Wall-E.”

While Musk has advertised this technology will build a bridge between humans and computers, the extent of how far that bridge will go is still unclear. Currently, Neuralink is accepting patient applications from anyone above the age of 18, provided that the patient suffers from a debilitating medical condition, such as
paralysis, loss of limb, or blindness.