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
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