Elon Musk’s Neuralink Implants Brain Chip in First Human

Context:  

Neuralink has successfully implanted a brain chip in its first human patient.

Neuralink Telepathy

• Neuralink’s first product would be named Telepathy which would be beneficial for those who lost their limbs. 
• Neuralink has done various extensive tests on animals. In these tests, monkeys were able to play computer games using their brains.

What is a Brain Implant?

• Brain implants are intricate tools that directly connect the brain and external technology. 
• They function by turning signals from the brain into commands that can operate different devices, like computers, artificial limbs, or robots. 
• This connection happens through groups of electrodes strategically placed to catch brain activity and understand its messages.

Applications of Brain Implants

• Medical Treatment: Brain implants help treat neurological issues like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
• Assistive Technology: Brain implants can give direct control over prosthetic limbs which in turn offers more independence to people with physical disabilities.
• Cognitive Enhancement: Implants may enhance memory, learning, and information processing.

Challenges 

• Opposition from Animal Rights Groups:
  • Animal rights groups such as the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, have raised concerns about tests on primates by Neuralink. 
• Safety and Reliability:
  • Its safety and reliability is also questionable. Glitches or malfunctions could have serious consequences, so rigorous testing is necessary.
• Privacy and Security:
  • Brain implants can create problems with data privacy.
  • Protecting neural information from unauthorised access is important to prevent privacy breaches.

News Source: Business standard

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