Patient Uses Their Mind To Move Things With Musk’s Neuralink Brain Implant

Elon Musk’s neuroscience startup, Neuralink, revealed that the first human patient implanted with the company’s brain chip has fully recovered. This development gives the patient the ability to control a computer mouse with their thoughts alone.

Musk mentioned, “Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with no ill effects that we are aware of. Patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking,” during a Spaces event on social media platform X.

The Goal of Neuralink

Neuralink’s ambitious project will not just end at individuals controlling devices with their minds. It will have to ability to treat a range of conditions from paralysis to vision loss. The implant, known as Telepathy, represents an era where human consciousness works together with technology.

Musk elaborated on the functionality of the implant, stating, “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.”

What About The Ethics Of This Project?

While this is a great invention, discussions around safety and ethics have been brought up. Neuralink has faced scrutiny over its testing methods and the rapid pace of its development. Experts like Dr. Dean Burnett have expressed concerns, suggesting that the rush to human trials is “disconcerting and alarming.”

Despite these worries, Musk assured that the procedure, which does not require general anesthesia and allows patients to go home the same day, is safe and efficient.

What Are Other Neuroscience Startups Doing?

Neurons

Neurons pioneers neuroscience-driven marketing solutions trusted by global brands like Estée Lauder, Google, and Facebook. Their AI-powered platform, Predict, eliminates guesswork by forecasting campaign, image, and video performance.

One feature provides insights into audience emotions through video and image tests, while another captures subconscious responses with eye-tracking and EEG data.

Backed by scientific validity, Neurons has achieved notable growth, opened a headquarters in Greater Copenhagen, and garnered awards for cutting-edge technology.

Maaind

Maaind pioneers neuroadaptive AI, revolutionising personalisation by understanding and responding to human emotions in real-time. With cutting-edge technology, the platform detects users’ mood and stress through voice and heart rate, delivering engaging and personalised well-being experiences.

Boasting industry-leading accuracy, their API seamlessly integrates with everyday devices and prioritises privacy. Collaborating with leading players in diverse industries, Maaind shapes innovation and the future. From neuroadaptive AI design labs to Mood-as-a-Service API, they are dedicated to enhancing global well-being through responsible technology.

Cumulus

Cumulus Neuroscience pioneers cutting-edge solutions in neurodegeneration and psychiatry. Their advanced platform, featuring a medical-grade EEG headset and tablet app, allows at-home monitoring of functional brain health, addressing challenges in CNS diseases.

Collaborating with global pharmaceutical leaders, Cumulus sets the gold standard for CNS assessments, enabling faster, cost-effective clinical trials. Their comprehensive platform covers cognition, EEG, mood, language, and sleep, with AI-powered analytics for meaningful insights.

NeuroCreate

NeuroCreate pioneers the fusion of AI and human creativity through FlowCreate™, an innovative platform inspired by neuroscience research. Founded by Dr. Shama Rahman, their team combines scientific expertise with real-world experience in creative industries, ensuring a tool that resonates with the rhythm of creative work.

FlowCreate™, informed by actual neuroscience, uses AI to optimise cognitive processes, leading users into a state of enhanced focus and well-being. They aim at redefining work, unlocking creative potential, and creating a future where technology and humanity harmonise for a healthier, more productive world.

MindPortal

MindPortal pioneers human-AI telepathy, revolutionising communication. MindPortal’s team from Y Combinator, DARPA, and top universities leads the charge. Winner of the 2023 Innovation of the Year Award, MindPortal envisions a future where telepathic communication with AI via non-invasive neural interfaces is the norm.

Their wearable neural interface allows real-time thought interaction with AI, eliminating traditional inputs. Backed by investors like Y Combinator and Kleiner Perkins, MindPortal aims to expand human potential through symbiotic human-AI relationships.