The Evolution of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Neuralink and Beyond

The Evolution of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Neuralink and Beyond

Thirty-five years ago, those who referred to William Gibson’s novel “Neuromancer” as “surrealist” must be quite astonished today. In 2019, the achievements of Elon Musk, one of the 21st century’s greatest visionaries, are reminiscent of the technologies depicted in Gibson’s fiction. Musk, renowned for SpaceX’s reusable spacecraft and Tesla’s electric cars surpassing speeds of 1,000 kilometers per hour, now aims for a new milestone through Neuralink.

Under the umbrella of his company Neuralink, Musk has assembled a robust team of 90 experts. Their goal? To enable the control of computers, prosthetics, and medical devices through brain-implanted implants, merely through thought. Imagine typing on a computer, watching a movie, or performing any digital task, all with the power of your mind. Even individuals with limb loss could manipulate their prosthetics via neural signals.

But how will they achieve this? The key lies in developing an interface capable of recording, decoding, and translating brain electrical activities into computer commands. Particularly designed for users of prosthetics, the system will also incorporate a sensory feedback mechanism. Scientists in Musk’s team are focusing on different aspects of this technology, tailoring solutions to varied needs.

Placing 3,000 Electrodes in the Brain

At a conference in 2016, Musk outlined that these implants would sit just above the brain’s surface, potentially even traveling through the bloodstream to reach the brain from a neck vein injection. However, recent updates suggest a shift in Neuralink’s implantation approach. As of July 16, 2019, Neuralink announced the development of 3,000 ultra-thin, flexible polymer threads loaded with electrodes. These can be strategically placed at various depths and locations in the brain, influencing different centers responsible for speech, vision, hearing, or movement control. Each thread, about a quarter of the diameter of a hair strand, will require surgical insertion, facilitated by a surgical robot akin to a “sewing machine,” capable of placing 192 electrodes per minute into the brain. While current methods involve a small skull incision of about 2 millimeters, future advancements may enable laser-based implantation. Despite the development of a robotic surgeon, human neurosurgeons from Stanford University also collaborate for manual procedures.

Founded with an initial investment of $100 million in San Francisco a few years ago, Neuralink today operates with a $158 million budget, continuing its research. However, all insights into this technology originate solely from Neuralink’s official statements. The company has yet to publish detailed scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, limiting external evaluation. Highlighting over two decades of advancements in this field, Professor Rajesh Rao from Washington University stresses that while the brain hosts billions of neurons, questions remain about the effectiveness of just 3,000 electrodes. Neuralink President Max Hodak hints at potential future publications to support ongoing research, although other executives foresee a longer timeline before commercial applications.

Comparable Applications and Ethical Concerns

Despite its novelty, Neuralink’s project parallels existing efforts in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases using similar technology. Applications involving electrical stimulation through two implanted wires have shown promising results, albeit the placebo effect remains uncertain. Similarly, trials on humans for Parkinson’s disease have commenced. Neuralink’s July 2019 presentation showcased data from a lab mouse with 1,500 implanted electrodes, boasting 15 times the efficacy of current treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, independent researchers caution against extrapolating animal success to human applications. For Neuralink to progress from animals to humans, FDA approval is mandatory, prioritizing medical applications. Yet, ethical debates persist, with many questioning the technology’s invasive and ethical implications.

“Merging with Artificial Intelligence”

Could such technology truly “invade” our brains? The possibility of artificial intelligence surpassing human intellect, self-improving, and potentially perceiving humanity as a threat remains a global concern. Within Neuralink’s framework, brain implants could wirelessly transmit cell-derived data to external technological devices, intertwining our minds invisibly with other tools. Cognitive psychologist and philosopher Susan Schneider argues that integrating human brains with artificial intelligence amounts to “suicide” for humanity. Warning against replacing brain tissue with an AI that mimics human thoughts and behaviors, Schneider believes this could signify the end of human autonomy. In contrast, Elon Musk sees this technology as safeguarding humanity’s future amidst AI advancements, advocating for a potential future where individuals equipped with such interfaces could “upload” themselves to a new unit upon death.

Critics, however, continue to challenge Neuralink. Professor Terry Sejnowski acknowledges the elastic nature of Neuralink’s thread-like implants as an advantage but warns of potential damage caused by brain-fluid

Affordable Implementation

Amid ongoing criticism, Neuralink claims that one of the test monkeys has already started using its brain to operate a computer. Musk emphasizes Neuralink’s ambition not only to treat numerous brain diseases but also to enhance and protect human brains, fostering a future harmonious with artificial intelligence. Addressing concerns over AI threats, Musk asserts that this technology aims to protect humanity’s future against AI threats. Despite ongoing critique, Neuralink aims to begin human trials by the end of 2020, with Musk suggesting that implementation and maintenance costs will be manageable. Musk optimistically predicts a lucrative future, leveraging this technology to repay loans taken for enhancing human intelligence. He envisions a future where individuals equipped with such technology could digitally “upload” themselves into a new “unit” upon death, offering a surprising glimpse into where this technology may lead.

Conclusion

Neuralink faces substantial criticism and ethical scrutiny. While promising potential in medical and cognitive enhancement, its development requires meticulous consideration of risks and benefits, underscoring the delicate balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility.

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