Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip, which aims to enable direct communication between the human brain and devices, has faced a setback with its first human implant. The chip failed just one month after being implanted in Noland Arbaugh’s nervous system. The issue stems from the electrodes placed in the skull bones, which have become detached, rendering the device non-functional. Some experts suggest that placing the chip in brain tissue could prevent such failures. Although no positive results have been recorded in treating epilepsy, depression, or other neurological injuries, there is a possibility of removing the brain implant as a solution. This failure adds to the skepticism surrounding Neuralink’s potential as a groundbreaking technology. Elon Musk, however, remains determined to advance the company’s efforts, reassuring that no harm has come to monkeys involved in the research for human compatibility.
Following an article by WIRED, concerns have been raised about the conditions in which primates involved in Neuralink’s research allegedly died. American authorities have been called upon to verify or refute Elon Musk’s claim of zero casualties associated with the Neuralink device itself.
According to public veterinary records obtained by WIRED, up to 12 animals had to be euthanized due to the suffering they endured during the experiments. This has prompted calls for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate Musk’s company.
Ryan Merkley, who leads the Physicians Committee’s research into animal-testing alternatives, has suggested that Musk’s claim could be seen as an attempt to manipulate the market. “They are implying that they will bring a safe device to the market, and that’s why you should invest,” Merkley told WIRED. “We view this lie as an attempt to cover up what occurred during these exploratory studies.”