Neuralink: What do brain implants do and why is Elon Musk making them?
New ScientistJAN 2024
Musk: First Human Implanted With Neuralink Chip
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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.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that the FDA will grant Neuralink permission to sell and implant a brain-machine interface device into general consumers by August 2035, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
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