Mark Zuckerberg has expressed caution about the ongoing testing of Elon Musk’s brain-chip implantation in patients.
Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms, discussed brain-computer interfaces on the Morning Brew Daily podcast. He stated, “One of the more interesting things we are researching is this brain interface. I don’t mean sticking a chip in your brain. Maybe someone will do that in the future, but I don’t want to use the first version of it. I think you should wait until it’s truly perfected. Wait until you don’t have to upgrade that every year.”
While Zuckerberg did not specifically mention any company, the most prominent name in brain-computer interface companies is Neuralink, led by Elon Musk. Musk announced last month that Neuralink successfully implanted his chip into a patient’s brain.
Neuralink aims to address issues such as autism and schizophrenia and help patients control devices like phones or computers simply by thinking about them. Although some brain researchers remain skeptical about Neuralink’s technology’s potential to address abnormalities in the brain or alter its developmental structure, Elon Musk remains optimistic about the technology’s potential.
Neuralink has faced criticism and scrutiny. Some animal experiments have resulted in health issues such as paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling, leading to allegations of animal cruelty. Neuralink defends these experiments, stating that they were conducted to confirm scientific hypotheses and are committed to the best care for the tested animals.
Neuralink’s brain chip records activity from electrodes placed near individual brain cells, decoding intended movements of the person. The company is seeking volunteers for clinical trials, individuals with functional limitations in all four limbs due to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or those who have suffered spinal cord injuries at least one year prior. Volunteers must agree to undergo the chip implantation surgery, participate in a 6-year training program, and undergo continuous monitoring.
Monitoring Neuralink’s progress is crucial for investors, especially as the company faces scrutiny from regulatory agencies and controversies surrounding brain-computer interface technology. The success and safety of these technologies are still being evaluated and continuously monitored.
Note: This article utilizes information, images from the Morning Brew Daily.
* Your email address will not be published.