15 out of 23 monkeys from a Neuralink trial for linking the human brain to a computer died. Read to find everything about this new experiment.
What is Neuralink? What is their experiment?
Neuralink is one of Elon Musk‘s firms and is based in San-Fransisco. The company is developing implants that can be used for communicating with machines using the power of thought. They are aiming to implant wireless brain-computer chips. They will be using it to help in curing neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Neuralink’s chip can also help in curing spinal cord injuries. Additionally, the firm believes that this is the first step for fusing humankind with artificial intelligence.
Musk’s firm makes this possible by decoding and recording electrical signals from the brain. They are using over 2,000 electrodes implanted in the monkey’s motor cortex which coordinates arm and hand movements. Hooking electronics to the brain is not a new technology. Doctors have previously implanted electrodes for treating epilepsy, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s using stimulation. In this experiment, Neuralink implanted sensors for allowing paralyzed people with brain signals. These signals are for operating computers and moving robotic arms. Unfortunately, 15 out of 23 monkeys used died after experiencing ‘extreme suffering’.
The animals suffered brain hemorrhage,skin infection and trauma
According to a report, one monkey developed a skin infection and had to be euthanized. Another one was discovered with missing fingers and toes, from possible self-mutilation of some unspecified trauma and “had to be put down.” Another started uncontrollably vomiting shortly after the surgery and days later “collapsed from fatigue.” Autopsy reports say that the animal suffered a brain hemorrhage.
More about the experiment
Neuralink is planning to build on existing treatments and use this technology for improving cognitive function. Musk is known for bringing together experts from diverse regions and developing revolutionary technology. Companies such as Boring Co., Tesla Inc., and SpaceX are examples of his feat. Additionally, he is also an outspoken doomsayer about the threat to the future of humanity by AI. Both Musk and other critics believe that the growing AI cognitive capacities can lead to machines outthinking and outmaneuvering humans.
However, Neuralink is not the only firm developing new tech for cognitive improvements. Bryan Johnson, the previous owner of Braintree started Kernel in 2016. The firm is currently working to improve on ‘advanced neural interfaces’, aimed at treating diseases and improving cognition.