Neuralink, Elon Musk's new venture, actively seeking volunteers for brain implant trial

Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface (BCI) start-up, has begun recruiting participants for its initial human trial. The company aims to connect human brains to computers and wants to test its technology on individuals with paralysis. They plan to implant a BCI using a robot, which will allow participants to control a computer cursor or type through their thoughts alone. However, competitor companies have already implanted BCI devices in humans. In May, Neuralink obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first human clinical trial, which signifies a significant milestone after previous challenges in gaining approval. Although the number of participants in the trial is unknown, former and current employees stated that Neuralink sought approval to implant its devices in ten people. The trial will involve a six-year study that employs a robot to surgically position 64 flexible threads, smaller than a human hair, onto a region of the brain involved in movement intention. This allows Neuralink's experimental N1 implant, powered by a wirelessly rechargeable battery, to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly to an app that interprets the individual's movement intentions. Individuals with quadriplegia due to injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may qualify for the trial. Despite Neuralink's association with Elon Musk, there are rival companies with extensive experience in the field. For instance, Blackrock Neurotech, based in Utah, implanted their first BCI in 2004. Precision Neuroscience, co-founded by a Neuralink co-founder, also aims to assist people with paralysis through a simpler implantation procedure. Currently, research studies using existing devices have been able to monitor brain activity and decode it to facilitate communication. While Neuralink may have an advantage in terms of implantation due to their robotic assistance, it remains uncertain whether their method for converting brain signals into useful actions surpasses that of other companies and whether it remains accurate and reliable over time.