Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant startup, set to begin human trials

NEW YORK - Elon Musk’s controversial bio­technology startup Neuralink opened up recruitment for its first human clinical trial Wednesday, according to a company blog. After receiving approval from an independent review board, Neuralink is set to begin offering brain implants to paralysis patients as part of the PRIME Study, the company said. PRIME, short for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface, is being carried out to evaluate both the safety and functionality of the implant. Trial patients will have a chip surgically placed in the part of the brain that con­trols the intention to move. The chip, installed by a robot, will then record and send brain signals to an app, with the initial goal being “to grant people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone,” the company wrote.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt