Neuralink is a technology that can help humans interact with machines using their brains. It is a device that will be surgically implanted into your brain and with it. You’ll be able to communicate with machines and even control them.

It also helps study the electrical signals in the brain and arrive at solutions and cure various medical problems.

What and where Neuralink is being implanted?

Neuralink designed a device about the size of a coin to be implanted beneath the skull, with tiny wires extending a short distance into the brain to read neuron activity.

The company has already run trials in pigs and demonstrated that a monkey could play the classic video game Pong using the device.

Its system is fully implantable and wireless with a rechargeable battery, in line with the idea that patients will be able to use these devices seamlessly in their daily lives.

How is it done?

The study uses a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in a region of the brain that controls the intention to move.

Neuralink’s initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.

Who is Neuralink’s first patient?

The first human patient to receive an implant from Neuralink is Noland Arbaugh. He explains in a video that an accident eight years ago dislocated his fourth and fifth vertebrae, leaving him with quadriplegia.

Futhermore, Noland Arbaugh previously controlled his computer with a mouth interface. With his Neuralink implant, he moves the cursor by thought alone.

Controlling Technology with Your Mind

BCIs have already demonstrated the ability to help individuals control technology with their thoughts. It allows paralyzed patients to control a robotic arm or move a cursor.

Professor Anne Vanhoestenberghe of Kings College says that one recent trail allowed a person to control video game with their mind.

Mood Regulation

Musk has long maintained that Neuralink to help individuals regulate their mood and hormones. It is a possibility within the potential capabilities researchers envision for BCI technology.

Moreover, this breakthrough could be of particularly useful for OCD or treatment-resistant depression. Researchers need to conduct more studies before it can become a viable option.

Risks of Implants

Receiving an implant comes with risks. Some are typical surgical risks—such as excessive bleeding or infection. Others are unique.

For example, the brain simulation that BCIs entail can trigger epileptiform activity such as a precursor for epilepsy, or epileptic attacks.

Meanwhile, the procedure also carries potential long-term risks in ensuring the implant continues to function over time.

Although, Neuralink is revolutionizing the way we interact with machines and hold the potential to treat various medical conditions.

However, research is still in its early stages of development, they need to conduct experiments and testing to fully understand its capabilities and risks.