These days, the name Elon Musk is associated with news and controversies. His medical device company, Neuralink, has recently come under fire for conducting monkey trials. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investigating violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
Reuters has reported that the records show that to accelerate the progress, more and more animals have been tested. Employees claim that Musk’s pressure to expedite the process has led to a higher animal casualty rate.
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink was launched in 2016 by Elon Musk, Max Hodak, Dongjin Seo, and Paul Merolla. It is a neurotechnology company that develops implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs).
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Neuralink wanted to work on transhumanism (human enhancement). Musk expressed that the concept of neural lace, serving as a digital layer above the cortex, inspired him. No surgery required; it can be implanted through an artery or a vein, reducing pain and fear. This is highly beneficial in cases of brain injury and memory loss.
Neuralink Brain Chip
Neuralink is creating a brain implant to help paralyzed people regain their mobility. According to Musk, the clinical trial for the device in a human brain might start in approximately six months. It has a chip that processes and transmits neural signals, which can be transmitted to devices like a computer or a phone. There are hopes that the person would potentially be able to control a mouse, keyboard, or other computer functions like text messaging with their thoughts.
There is a possibility of restoring neural activity within the body, enabling individuals with spinal cord injuries to regain movement in their limbs.
Clinical Monkey Trials
Neuralink has successfully tested its technology on animals. There’s a circulating video from 2021 featuring a macaque (monkey) engaged in playing a video game post-implantation of the brain chip. Observable enhancements in the chip’s speed and capability are evident.