What is Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip?

Billionaire Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, has successfully implanted its wireless brain chip in a human, a year after receiving clearance for testing. Musk revealed on Sunday that the patient is recovering well. The device aims to restore motor functionality and create a brain-computer interface. Musk's claims lack independent verification, and Neuralink hasn't provided many details.

Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, utilizes a coin-sized device surgically implanted in the skull with ultra-thin wires connecting to the brain for a brain-computer interface. The first product, Telepathy, allows users to control phones or computers through thought. Neuralink asserts the chip, placed in the motor control part of the brain, could help those with neurological disorders.

During the human testing phase approved by the FDA in May 2023, Musk mentioned promising results in detecting neuron spikes, crucial for everyday functions. Earlier, Neuralink conducted trials on animals like monkeys and pigs, facing some reported issues.

Concerns surround the ethics of animal testing, potential risks of brain surgery, and privacy issues associated with Musk's vision of brain implants. Experts note worries about retaining control of personal data and neural activity. Neuralink's experimentation on animals led to a fine from the US Department of Transportation for not registering as a transporter of hazardous material.