Over 5,000 People Volunteer For Elon Musk's Neurolink Brain Chip Implant
Thousands Volunteer for Elon Musk's Neuralink Brain Chip Implant.
Elon Musk's neurotechnology company Neuralink has received an overwhelming response after seeking volunteers to test its brain chip implant in humans. Thousands of people have expressed interest in having a portion of their skull removed to have one of Neuralink's tiny flexible electrode threads implanted in their brain.
In May 2022, Neuralink received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin clinical trials on humans to test the safety of the brain chip implant. This approval marked a major milestone for the company after facing previous delays and setbacks.
Now, Neuralink is recruiting participants willing to volunteer as test subjects for its first human trials. According to Musk, "over 5000 people" have already signed up to have the neural implant embedded in their brains. Thousands more are expected to volunteer as Neuralink expands its human trials.
Many volunteers have serious medical conditions and hope the implant can restore lost functions. Others are transhumanists seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities. Some are entrepreneurs interested in controlling future technologies with just their thoughts using the Neuralink device.
However, embedding an electronic device in the brain is still an experimental and risky procedure. Neuralink will start by implanting its technology in volunteers with severe spinal cord injuries to demonstrate that it is safe and can improve their quality of life.
Critics have raised concerns about the invasive nature of brain surgery needed to implant the device. Long-term risks, like potential infections or the implant malfunctioning, are still unknown. Additionally, there are worries about the privacy and security of a computer interface embedded in people's minds.
Still, the promise of restoring mobility for paralyzed patients and eventually achieving a "symbiosis with artificial intelligence" as envisioned by Musk has generated intense interest in volunteering for Neuralink's radical experiments. The company plans to slowly expand its human trials over time as safety is proven.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Anyone considering volunteering for an experimental brain implant procedure should consult their doctor.
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