First Human Trials Of Neuralink Underway
Elon Musk’s groundbreaking venture, Neuralink, has reached a significant milestone by conducting the inaugural human trial of its innovative brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. The trial involves the implantation of a ‘brain-reading’ device, marking a crucial step towards Musk’s vision of revolutionizing the interaction between the human brain and external devices.
Neuralink’s BCI aims to enable individuals, particularly those with severe paralysis, to control various devices through the power of thought alone. The concept of BCIs involves recording and decoding brain activity, allowing users to seamlessly manipulate computers, robotic arms, wheelchairs, and other gadgets. While Neuralink’s initiative has sparked cautious excitement among neurotechnology researchers, concerns have emerged regarding the transparency and detailed information surrounding the trial.
As of now, limited information is available, and researchers are grappling with the absence of comprehensive details about the trial’s commencement and specific outcomes. The primary source of information is a study brochure inviting participants, lacking crucial specifics such as the locations of implantations and the precise parameters that the trial aims to evaluate. This lack of transparency has raised eyebrows within the scientific community, with some experts expressing frustration.
Interestingly, the trial is notably absent from ClinicalTrials.gov, a widely recognized online repository curated by the US National Institutes of Health. Many universities and medical journals mandate the registration of trials and protocols in such repositories to ensure transparency and adhere to ethical principles. Neuralink, headquartered in Fremont, California, has yet to provide a response regarding its decision not to register the trial on this platform.
In examining Neuralink’s implants in comparison to other BCI technologies, one notable feature is the utilization of 64 flexible polymer threads, offering 1,024 sites for recording brain activity. This stands in contrast to other BCIs, such as those developed by Blackrock Neurotech, which focus on surface-level electrodes. Neuralink’s fully implanted and wireless system represents a significant advancement in BCI technology, eliminating the need for physical connections to a computer through a skull port, thus mitigating infection risks and enhancing real-world usability.
The diversity of approaches within the BCI landscape has spurred excitement among experts, who emphasize the need to assess safety, signal quality, durability, and user experience to determine the most effective systems. Tim Denison, a neuroengineer at the University of Oxford, underscores the importance of playing the “long game for the good of patients.”
Moving forward, scientists anticipate gaining valuable insights from the Neuralink human trial, albeit with limited information provided by the company. Safety remains a top priority during this stage, with a focus on immediate impacts, potential infections, and long-term considerations. The trial’s five-year follow-up period aims to evaluate the device’s functionality, with volunteers using it regularly to control computers and providing feedback on their experiences.
Despite the promising prospects of Neuralink’s BCI, concerns persist among scientists. Volunteer safety and well-being are paramount, with approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the absence of the trial from ClinicalTrials.gov raises questions about transparency and adherence to protocols. Researchers and advocates, including individuals with a vested interest in BCIs, stress the importance of timely and comprehensive information release to address speculation and maintain public trust in this transformative technology.
