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Elon Musk says Neuralink's first human patient can move a computer mouse with their mind

Feb 20, 2024 - qz.com
Elon Musk's startup, Neuralink, has successfully implanted a brain chip in a human patient who has now fully recovered and can move a mouse on a screen by just thinking. The first human implant was performed last month, following approval from an independent review board in September to recruit paralysis patients for the brain implant. The surgery involves attaching the implant, known as the "Link," directly to the brain to read neural signals, with wires from the device monitoring brain activity and using electricity to stimulate certain brain areas.

Neuralink is now testing how many mouse clicks the patient can make without using their hands. Musk stated there are no known ill effects. The company aims to treat patients with neurological diseases like Parkinson's and epilepsy in the short term. However, Musk has also proposed using the technology to prevent an AI takeover. Last month, Neuralink was fined by the U.S. Department of Transportation for violating rules on the movement of hazardous materials, and in 2022, it faced accusations from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine of torturing monkey test subjects.

Key takeaways:

  • Elon Musk's startup Neuralink's first human patient has made a full recovery and can move a mouse around the screen just by thinking.
  • Neuralink performed its first human implant last month, after receiving approval from an independent review board and the FDA.
  • The technology aims to help treat patients with neurological diseases including Parkinson’s and epilepsy, and Musk has proposed using it as a way for humans to avoid an AI takeover.
  • Neuralink has faced controversy, including a fine from the U.S. Department of Transportation for violating rules on the movement of hazardous materials, and a complaint from an animal rights group accusing it of torturing monkey test subjects.
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