Context
∙ The first human patient has received an implant from brain-chip startup Neuralink recently.
About
∙ Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
∙ Spikes are activity by neurons, which the National Institute of Health describes as cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information around the brain and to the body.
∙ It gives hope that the startup technology will help patients overcome paralysis and a host of neurological conditions.
Neuralink
∙ Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016.
∙ The company’s main goal is to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can be implanted in the human brain.
∙ These BCIs would allow people to control computers and other devices with their thoughts, and could also be used to treat a variety of neurological conditions.
∙ Neuralink’s BCI is a small, flexible device that is implanted in the motor cortex of the brain.
∙ The device contains thousands of tiny electrodes that can detect the electrical activity of neurons. This activity is then processed by a computer, which can interpret it as commands or intentions.
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)
∙ BCIs are systems that bridge the gap between human thought and external technology.
∙ Working: BCIs capture and translate brain activity into signals that computers can understand. Different approaches exist:
∙ Non-invasive BCIs: These use sensors like EEG (electroencephalography) to measure brain waves from outside the skull. They offer good portability but lower resolution.
∙ Partially invasive BCIs: These use electrodes implanted under the scalp or skull, providing higher resolution but limited to specific brain areas.
∙ Fully invasive BCIs: These like Neuralink’s implant directly interface with brain tissue, offering the highest resolution but raising ethical and safety concerns.
Application of Brain Computer interface
∙ Human-technology interface: BCI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
∙ Communication and Control: Helping people with paralysis control assistive devices, prosthetics, or even computers directly with their thoughts.
∙ Sensory Restoration: Restoring sight or hearing loss due to injuries or diseases.
∙ Neurological Treatment: Treating conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and chronic pain by modulating brain activity.
∙ Augmentation and Enhancement: Potentially amplifying cognitive abilities or memory in the future.
Challenges/Concerns
∙ Safety: The Neuralink company has faced calls for scrutiny regarding its safety protocols.
∙ Veterinary records showed problems with the implants on monkeys included paralysis, seizures and brain swelling.
∙ Ethical concerns: Some worry that the device could be used to hack into people’s brains or to control their thoughts.
∙ Superhumans: Others worry that it could create a new class of people who are enhanced with technology.
∙ Privacy and Security: Ensuring brain data remains secure and used ethically.
∙ Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to BCI technology.
∙ Human and Machine Integration: Defining the boundaries between human thought and machine control.
∙ Brain Enhancement: Considering the implications of cognitive and sensory augmentation.
Way Ahead
∙ BCI research is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in neuroscience, engineering, and artificial intelligence. ∙ While challenges remain, BCIs hold immense potential to transform healthcare, communication, and our understanding of the brain-computer interface.
