Elon Musk's Neuralink implants reach seven recipients

Seven individuals have received Neuralink's N1 brain implant, a key step for Elon Musk's company in developing thought-controlled technology. The implants aim to help those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injuries operate devices via neural signals, though safety and competition remain major talking points.

How it works and who's using It

Neuralink's device uses hair-thin threads inserted into the brain to translate thoughts into digital commands. Recipient Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed by a spinal injury, now browses the web and emails using only his mind. Six patients are part of the PRIME study at Barrow Neurological Institute, testing the implant's daily utility – some even use it for professional tasks like CAD design.

The tech relies on a robotic arm for precise implantation, with signals sent wirelessly to external devices. While users report 90 percent accuracy in cursor control, challenges like fine-tuning and expanding task variety remain.

Competition and regulatory hurdles

Rivals like Synchron are hot on Neuralink's heels. Synchron's less invasive "Stentrode" device, already in 10 patients, uses catheters to avoid open-brain surgery and plans compatibility with Apple products. Another firm, Precision Neuroscience, is exploring non-invasive options.

Neuralink faces a critical roadblock – it lacks FDA approval, meaning the implants are only available via clinical trials. Past animal trials raised safety concerns, and critics urge more peer-reviewed data instead of social media updates.

What experts and the public say

Experts warn of ethical risks, from data privacy (who owns neural signals?) to unequal access. "We need rules before this becomes a luxury good," says bioethicist Dr Matthew Liao. The public is torn – videos of thought-controlled typing spark wonder, but fears of "tech overreach" persist.

As Neuralink eyes trials with 1,000 patients, the seven implant recipients symbolize a crossroads: Will this tech revolutionize disability care, or raise uncharted questions about human augmentation? The answer may shape healthcare and society for decades to come.

(Cover via VCG)