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Around a month after Neuralink’s first patient received an implant, Elon Musk has confirmed the patient is able to control a computer mouse. Neuralink, with the goal of perfecting human brain and computer chip synergy, is an ambitious company. Almost a month ago, Neuralink finally went through with its first-ever human trial after receiving the green light from concerned authorities.
“Progress is good,” says Musk about Neuralink’s first patient
Once the chip had been implanted, stories circulated around the web wondering if the patient would recover. It seems they’ve not only done so, but the Neuralink chip works as intended as well. During a Spaces audio call on X, Elon Musk elaborated on the patient’s recovery.
“Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with no ill effects that we are aware of. The patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking.”
The above is a breakthrough moment for Neuralink. Musk has many bigger goals he wants to achieve via Neuralink integration. He’s talked about easy and fast ways to combat autism, depression, schizophrenia, and other disabilities. The end goal is a science fiction-esque fusion of the human brain with a computer. This fusion would allow for potentially curing incurable diseases, and allowing disabled people to communicate or move independently.
Musk also said they were seeing how much the chip could handle at the moment. “We’re trying to get as many button presses as possible from thinking.”
A company mired in skepticism and controversy
As noble as Neuralink’s goals seem, the company isn’t without its fair share of criticism. Some of it stems from the current vocal subset of skeptics online, who are convinced Elon Musk could never release anything functional. Others are skeptical of the entire concept in general. But, much like AI, human-computer fusion could be a science fiction concept closer than people realize.
However, Neuralink has been in the spotlight for less-than-favorable news as well. Between 2022 and 2023, during the company’s trials on monkeys, reports emerged of potentially lethal side effects. The company was also fined recently for violating rules regarding the transport of hazardous materials. Nevertheless, Neuralink has pushed on and now they have a successful human trial to show for it.
No records, footage, or other materials have surfaced about Neuralink’s first patient as of yet. The company should likely be sharing more information as soon as it has gathered whatever initial research is needed.
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