Sunday, February 16, 2025
=

Brain Chip That Can Help You Control Computer Cursor with Your Mind Approved

X (Twitter) owner Elon Musk’s brain-implant chip startup Neuralink announced on Tuesday, September 20 it had received an approval to embark on recruiting paralysis patients for its first human brain implant trial.

The first human trial of its revolutionary brain implant is designed to transform the lives of paralysis patients and restore autonomy to those with unmet medical conditions.

Neuralink‘s first-in-human clinical trial is open for recruitment,” the company announced.

This groundbreaking initiative is a ray of hope for individuals grappling with quadriplegia due to conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cervical spinal cord injury who qualify for the study.

Elon Musk's Neuralink Chip That can Help You Control a Cursor With Your Mind
Elon Musk at Neuralink’s HQ in Fremont, California. PHOTO/Elon Musk.

Study to take approximately six years

Neuralink has not disclosed the number of participants it intends to involve in this pioneering trial which will take about six years.

“The study will employ cutting-edge robotics to delicately implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) into a specific region of the brain responsible for the intention to move,” Neuralink said.


Also Read: Ruto Secures Ksh8.7 Billion to Buy BRT Buses


Neuralink Future

The company further added that the overarching aim of the interface is to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard using nothing but the power of their thoughts alone.

Moreover, what makes Neuralink‘s venture even more fascinating is its potential beyond this trial phase.

The world’s richest man envisions a future where the swift surgical insertion of these chip devices can treat a spectrum of conditions, ranging from obesity and autism to depression and schizophrenia.

However, even if the BCI device proves its safety and efficacy for human use, it could still take over a decade to secure commercial clearance, according to experts.

Initially, the company sought approval to implant its devices in ten patients. Negotiations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) led to a revised patient count. This was after the agency raised safety concerns.


Also Read: Ruto Pushes for Cheaper Internet in Meeting with Elon Musk’s Starlink


But what could this mean for the future? Imagine a world where neurological conditions become manageable, where the paralyzed regain independence, and where the human mind connects seamlessly with technology.

It’s not science fiction; it’s the vision of Elon Musk and the relentless pursuit of innovation at Neuralink.

“It’s not merely about restoring mobility; it’s about unlocking the mysteries of the human brain and reshaping lives,” says Musk.

Elon Musk's Neuralink Chip That Can Help You Control a Cursor with Your Mind
mage of the Neuralink Company logo. PHOTO/Courtesy.

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Jason Ndunyu

Jason Ndunyu is a Digital Media Journalist at The Kenya Times with a passion for research and fact-checking. He delivers engaging content across diverse topics, with a special interest in the dynamic world of Sports. You can reach him at jason.ndunyu@thekenyatimes.com

Related Posts