Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, The Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, and I'm your host, Will Walden. If you want uninterrupted episodes of the Elon Musk podcast, please go to clubelon.supercast.com to find out how there's a link in the
show notes. Recently, Elon Musk announced that the first human recipient of the Neuro Link brain implant has successfully managed to control a computer cursor through his thoughts alone. However, the lack of shared evidence and details from Neuro Link has led to skepticism and concerns about medical researchers regarding the veracity of these claims and the safety of the technology.
Our report, published in Nature, highlights that the concept of controlling devices through brain implants is not novel in the absence of detailed information from Neuralink prevents the scientific community from verifying the company's assertions and evaluating the risks involved.
I was neurosurgeon Samir Chef, with a focus on implanted neurotechnology at the Bayer College of Medicine, expressed concerns about Neuralink's selective disclosure of information indicating A broader apprehension within the medical community about the company's transparency and also their
safety protocols. Elon Musk's previous statements on social media platforms claiming the well-being of the human recipient of Neural Link's implant contrast sharply with the company's history of animal testing, which has been marred by ethical and welfare issues raising further alarms about
patient safety. Now, disturbing incidents from Neural Link's past animal experiments, such as severe injuries and death in monkeys, have surfaced, highlighting potential risks and ethical dilemmas associated with the company's research practices. Now, doubts also linger about the effectiveness and safety of Neurolink's robotic surgeon used for implanted devices, as its capabilities have not been demonstrated on actual patients but only on a dummy in past
footage. A particular case involving a monkey with a malfunctioning implant necessitating euthanasia raises additional concerns about the reliability and the safety of Neurolink's surgical procedures and their equipment. Now, despite these issues, Neuralink's claims of breakthroughs in human brain computer interfaces have not been substantiated, with concrete evidence casting doubt on the company's scientific contributions to the field.
Now, experts in BCI research, such as Balu Ajiboy from Case Western Reserve University, point out that the ability for humans to control curses via brain implants has been achieved in the past, and that questions the novelty of Neuralink's
achievements. Now, the BCI field has seen significant advancements outside of Neuralink's work, including enabling paralyzed individuals to communicate through digital avatars or control robotic limbs, showcasing the potential of brain implants in transforming those people's lives. Despite criticisms, some researchers acknowledge the value of increased competition and innovation in the BCI space with Neuralink contributes to even if its current achievements may not be so groundbreaking.
And Musk's recent statements during a public discussion revealed that Neuralink's first human volunteer has reportedly recovered fully from the implant procedure and can interact with computers through thought, although these claims lack independent verification. Now. Neuralink's N1 device, which is said to facilitate this interaction, incorporates over 1000 electrodes to monitor and
influence brain activity. This is a complex and delicate technological endeavor, and Musk's broader ambitions for Neuralink include developing cybernetic limbs and restoring sensory functions. But these goals are currently very far from being realized, partly due to the absence of tangible evidence supporting the company's claimed successes.
Now, Musk's history of overstating the capabilities of his company's technologies has seen a various instances with Tesla and SpaceX raises questions about the credibility of his announcements regarding Neuralink's progress.
Neuralink's endeavors along with Musk's promotional strategies contribute to his public image as an innovative leader despite the controversies and legal challenges that have accompanied some of his claims with Neuralink, SpaceX and also Tesla. The development of BC is, including those by Neuralink, offer invaluable insights into brain functionality and neuroplasticity, expanding our understanding of how the brain interacts with external devices
and adapts to new forms of communication and control. Through BCI research, scientists are uncovering more about the brain structure and function, challenging previous notions and paving the way for future innovations that could revolutionize the medical treatments and enhance human capabilities. Hey, thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your
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