Neurological disorders

Musk’s Neuralink Seeks Humans for Brain-Implant Trials

SEP 21 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

Elon Musk's brain-chip start-up Neuralink has started recruiting people for its first human trial.
Verge
Neuralink said Tuesday that it's looking for participants with paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ("ALS") for the study, which will take about six years to complete.
Reuters
The company is working on creating a brain implant to help patients with severe paralysis control external technologies using neural signals. Neuralink in a blog post said, "the initial goal...is to grant people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone."
CNBC
As part of the study, a robot would surgically place 64 flexible threads — thinner than human hairs — onto the parts of the participants’ brains that control "movement intention." The "N1" implant, which will be powered by a battery that can be charged wirelessly, will record and transmit brain signals to an app that the company will use to understand how participants intend to move.
BBC News
In May, the company announced it received clearance from the US Food and Drug Admin. (FDA) for its first-in-human clinical trial. The company's previous testing in animals received heavy scrutiny over reports that its trials allegedly caused unnecessary suffering.
guardian
Experts say that if the implant proves to be safe for humans, it could still take more than a decade for the startup to secure clearance for commercial applications.
Reuters

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

There are just too many red flags to allow Neuralink to conduct human trials. The FDA previously rejected the company’s application due to safety issues, and there were allegations of animal suffering. Neuralink’s plan should not go forward.

Sentient Media

Narrative B

FDA approval of human trials shows the US government believes the company is ready for this momentous step. Similar devices have already been implanted in human subjects by rival companies and are generating positive results. Neuralink should go ahead with this exciting advancement.

BBC News