Neuralink: What do brain implants do and why is Elon Musk making them?
New ScientistFeb 02
Musk: First Human Implanted With Neuralink Chip
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The Facts
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Monday announced in a post on X, the Musk-owned social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the first human is "recovering well" after receiving a brain implant from Neuralink, another one of his companies. Musk added "initial results show promising neuron spike detection."
In a follow-up post, Musk revealed that the chip is called Telepathy, and it will enable control of electronic devices "just by thinking." The first users will be "those who have lost the use of their limbs."
The Spin
Narrative A
Neuralink has overcome numerous obstacles that were thrown in its way, but this ground-breaking achievement proves the company's relentlessness was well worth it. With over $150M in funding, Musk's startup has raced to the top of its industry.
Narrative B
Neuralink has achieved something historic, but it can't get complacent. Already, Chinese scientists have developed their own brain chip and Beijing has set a goal to develop its own Neuralink-like products by next year. Musk better be ready for stiff competition in this unique space.
Narrative C
Moving forward, the negative effects of this sort of technology can't be ignored. These brain chips could be as easily hacked as computers and phones, which could lead to human- or AI-caused harm. Musk and others shouldn't race ahead too quickly.
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