Elon Musk’s Neuralink has made significant strides in brain-computer interface technology, enabling a paraplegic to control a computer with his brain and restoring sight to blind monkeys. However, the advancements come amidst concerns over ethical implications and safety, following the deaths of 1,500 test animals.
Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, has made significant advances in the field of brain-computer interface technology with two groundbreaking developments. In one instance, the company enabled a paraplegic man, Noland Arbaugh, to control a chess game on a computer using only his brain. This was achieved by implanting a chip in the part of Arbaugh’s brain responsible for movement. The procedure involved a robot surgeon inserting electrodes between the chip and the brain, following the removal of a section of the skull.
In a separate development, Neuralink announced a new product named “Blindsight,” which has restored sight to blind monkeys. Musk suggests that this technology could eventually provide vision to people who have lost their sight, with the potential to exceed the capabilities of normal human vision. Though the restored vision’s initial resolution might be low, comparable to early video game graphics, there is potential for significant improvement.
Despite these advances, concerns remain regarding the ethics and safety of such experimental procedures, particularly following reports of the deaths of 1,500 test animals during the development of Neuralink’s technologies.
In unrelated scientific news, researchers in the Peruvian Amazon have discovered the remains of what is believed to be the world’s largest dolphin, dating back 16 million years. An 11-foot-long skull fossil was among the findings, enhancing our understanding of the ancient mammal’s connection to modern-day river dolphins.
Additionally, a study by London researchers indicates that artificial intelligence could be instrumental in predicting future health conditions by analyzing patient health records, marking another step forward in the integration of AI into healthcare.
These developments collectively highlight the dynamic nature of technological and scientific innovation in areas ranging from medical technology to paleontology and artificial intelligence, underscoring the ongoing evolution and potential of these fields.
