Elon Musk’s Neuralink Marks a New Era with Successful Neuralink Brain Chip Implant in Human
Jan 31, 2024
The neurotechnology sphere witnessed a monumental upgrade in reality, as Elon Musk’s Neuralink has fortunately implanted its first brain chip in a human. The innovative entrepreneur disclosed that the patient is healing well, with early indications of optimistic neuron spike detection.
This remarkable accomplishment follows the green light from the US FDA in September, allowing Neuralink to activate human trials for its incredibly modern brain-chip technology.
Musk, a serial innovator, posted a tweet on X, stating the scandalous news that the first human was implanted yesterday, patients’ recovery process is positive, and primary outcomes show promising detection of neuron spikes, which are liable for carrying information throughout the living organism.
Financial Aspects
Neuralink has not disclosed the pricing details for the implant. Nonetheless, according to Bloomberg’s estimate, the cost is projected to be $10,500 (approximately £8,300), with insurance companies potentially facing a charge of $40,000 (£31,500) for the procedure in the United States.
In subsequent tweets, Musk disclosed the debut product from Neuralink, “Telepathy.” This groundbreaking technology empowers users to control devices such as phones or computers with mere thoughts.
Musk underscored its potential impact on individuals facing limb functionality challenges, forecasting a future where communication could surpass the speed of a typist or auctioneer, akin to the abilities of the late Stephen William Hawking, well-known English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author struggling with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him.
Challenges, Skepticism, and Future Prospects
Elon Musk is noted for his unrealised bold promises, like Tesla’s ability to drive on its one from NYC to LA or SpaceX rocket company’s flight to Mars in 2018. However, because of such setbacks, experts consider this achievement a significant step towards Neuralink’s ambitious goals.
King’s College London professor Anne Vanhoestenberghe, who studies active implanted medical devices, called this a “significant milestone” in brain-computer interface research.
Prime, an ongoing research by Neuralink, evaluates the safety of the implant and the surgical robot in relation to its wireless brain-computer interface. The goal of the interface is to give quadriplegics more control over their lives by allowing them to operate things just by thinking about them.
The company’s website outlines the study’s focus on evaluating the functionality of the interface and the ultra-fine threads transmitting signals in participants’ brains.
Despite the progress, Neuralink has faced investigations, including a recent fine for violating US Department of Transportation laws about hazardous materials. Musk addressed the importance of long-term evaluation of safety protocols by responding to concerns.
Investors anxiously await Neuralink’s stock IPO because of its promising technology. Musk’s Blindsight device attempts to restore vision beyond paralysis. The company’s private stock value rose to $5 billion last year, indicating tremendous confidence in its disruptive potential.
How Are Tesla Stocks Reacting to The News?
Investors are confident that Tesla’s stocks will see a positive impact from the latest news, reflecting Elon Musk’s significant influence in the investment world. His influence extends from cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin to the stocks of his own companies.
Market analysts have projected that by January 30, 2025, the average price of Tesla’s shares could reach $230.54. This forecast represents a 20.33% increase from its current value of $191.59.
Final Remarks
Despite Neuralink’s revolutionary undertaking, questions arise regarding the interface’s stability over time and its actual benefits to participants. Musk’s ambitious promises, met with scepticism in the past, highlight the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of neurotechnology and transforming lives. Investors keenly observe the progress of brain chip human trials and potential commercialisation, poised to invest in Neuralink.