The Dispute Faced By Elon Musk's Neuralink and Its Experiments

Just recently, Elon Musk announced his hopes for Neuralink's implant clinical trials on humans to happen within the next six months. According to CNBC TV, these implants are designed to allow the blind to see and let the paralyzed start walking. Musk himself plans to get a brain implant in the future.

Neuralink is currently working on the processing as it has submitted most of the necessary paperwork to the US Food and Drug Administration.

Though Neuralink stated their hopes to proceed cautiously and with the guarantee that the implants work before they start with human clinical trials, many experts noted the presence of threats that are associated with the experiments. They have also advised that these procedures should be done non-invasively.

Neuralink Brain Chip

According to Insider, Neuralink is working on two different equipment pieces. The first is an AI-powered chip that can be implanted into the skull. Electrodes will then fan out from the chip and fan into the brain. It is set to stay right behind the ear as these electrodes flow to the brain.

This chip is around the same size as a coin. From this microchip, some minute wires will be twenty times thinner compared to human hair. These wires will fan out into the brain, where the chip is implanted.

CNBC TV notes that this AI-powered chip can read and note activity in the brain. The chip allows control of computers for those battling paralysis, even when they are not in a laboratory.

Elon Musk mentioned in 2016 that the chip would enable a person battling paralysis to operate a smartphone using their mind, as noted by CNBC TV. Musk shares how this will be even faster than someone physically using their thumbs.

Clinical Trials Previously Conducted on Monkeys

Prototypes of the chip were previously implanted in monkey brains. However, some controversies surround these experiments on monkeys.

For one, CNN previously reported how Neuralink acknowledged that some monkeys died during the project. However, Neuralink denied how the allegations against them regarding animal abuse.

CNBC TV also notes how the monkeys involved in the experiment experienced chronic infections. They also had to endure conditions such as internal bleeding, paralysis, seizures, and psychological health declines before death.

A number of researchers have noted case studies of the difficulties that eight monkeys had to endure because of the experiments, according to CNBC TV.

One of the studies related the experiences of a female macaque who was ten years old. The monkey needed to undergo surgery worth six hours just for the implant. After the surgery, the implants developed an infection, and her skin became eroded. She had to undergo yet another invasive surgery and passed after this operation.

Another documented incident involved internal bleeding in one monkey. This was because of the adhesive of the implant. This made the monkey vomit large amounts to the point that the monkey got open sores within its esophagus.

While the company is facing heat, CNN noted last February how Neuralink expressed commitment to working hand in hand with animals in ethical and humane ways.

Check out more news and information on Neuralink in Science Times.