Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-machine interface startup, has been hitting the headlines after the tech giant revealed that the company has performed its first brain implant on a human.
While Musk has revealed that the anonymous patient has been recovering well, experts have raised concerns regarding the safety of the implant, as earlier trials of Neuralink saw the deaths of 1,500 animals.
Neuralink's Brain Chips
Neuralink's first product device, Telepathy, works by converting the brain's electrical activity into signals that computers are capable of understanding. A robotic surgeon is responsible for inserting the device. This robot takes away a skull section prior to linking the electrons into the brain.
The electrodes pick up the neuron's electrical signals and translate them into motor controls that can be used for maneuvering devices.
Musk explains in a post on X that the device allows control of one's computer or phone just by thinking. He adds that the initial users of the product will be those with limb use loss.
ALSO READ: First Neuralink Product 'Telepathy' Will Be Able To Control Phone, Computer Just By Thinking
Neuralink Safety Questioned
However, concerns regarding the fast development of Neuralink have been raised. Dr. Dean Burnett, an honorary research associate from Cardiff University, shares that the speed taken by Elon Musk from having no place in the world of brain implants to releasing huge statements is both alarming and disconcerting.
The doctor says that it is likely that the first patient will be safe. However, he adds that the higher risk will be when people see that this works well and that the products will be rolled out, as not every procedure will receive a similar spotlight.
Though this is Neuralink's first human trial, it is not the first time that brain chips have been implanted in humans. Twenty years ago, the BrainGate interface system was tested among humans and showed promising potential. A 2021 review of the health of the patients revealed that the implant did not yield any serious health consequences and did not need to be removed.
According to Andrew Jackson, a neural interfaces professor from Newcastle University, the device of Neuralink could be even safer in certain aspects compared to that of the BrainGate system. He adds that the FDA would not have approved Neuralink human trials if they were to pose significant risks.
However, Neuralink has received criticism in the past for breaching the Animal Welfare Act and due to how their lab animals were cruelly treated. In February 2022, the company confirmed that monkeys died during the course of testing, though they denied allegations pertaining to animal abuse.
According to estimations, more than 1,500 animals have been killed in the course of Neuralink's pre-human trials.
Despite these death cases, Professor Jackson notes that people should believe and be confident in the regulatory oversight of the safety of the device. He explains that the steps taken to reach Neuralink's point are sensible ones that are necessary for de-risking it. Professor Jackson expresses how impressive it is that Neuralink was quickly able to work on these steps.
He notes, however, that the question is whether it was ethical to use up to that number of animals to produce the necessary evidence.
Cognitive scientist and bioethicist Professor Marcello Ienca from the Technical University of Munich explains that current rules are not enough. Professor Ienca explains that though these types of trials are necessary for life improvement, the concern is that not all rules pertaining to ethically conducting the trials have been figured out.
Current guidelines were made way before brain implants became a possibility. These guidelines are based on principles for cardiac implants.
Professor Ienca notes that some patients have reported disturbances in their sense of self after receiving or having an implant removed. He also expresses concern regarding the AI used to enable the devices, as they could have biases that could result in discrimination.
He concludes that things should be evaluated and that this is not being done at present as the technology is novel and rules are still being developed.
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