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Neuralink's Breakthrough: Restoring Full Body Functionality and Vision with Brain Chips

Elon Musk has announced that Neuralink's brain-computer interface technology can potentially restore full body functionality for individuals with severed spinal cords by bridging communication from the cortex past damaged nerves. The company's N1 implant, featuring 1,024 electrodes across 64 threads, has already been tested in human patients. Simultaneously, Neuralink's "Blindsight" project aims to restore vision, even for those blind from birth, by interfacing directly with the visual cortex. With FDA breakthrough designation secured, the company plans to begin high-volume production of these devices and implement automated surgical procedures by 2026.

Key Points: Neuralink: Restoring Full Body Function & Vision with Brain Implants

  • Restoring movement after spinal injury
  • Implant connects brain past nerve damage
  • Restoring vision even for congenital blindness
  • High-volume production planned for 2026
2 min read

Physically possible to restore full body functionality with Neuralink: Elon Musk

Elon Musk says Neuralink can restore full body functionality for spinal cord injuries and vision for the blind using brain-computer interface technology.

Physically possible to restore full body functionality with Neuralink: Elon Musk
"I am confident at this point that restoring full body functionality is possible with Neuralink. – Elon Musk"

New Delhi, Jan 3

Billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday said that his brain-computer interface company Neuralink can possibly restore full body functionality.

The breakthrough focuses on the motor cortex, restoring "full body functionality" for people with severed spinal cords.

"I am confident at this point that restoring full body functionality is possible with Neuralink," the Tesla and SpaceX founder shared in a post on the social media platform X.

"Neuralink can essentially help bridge communications from the cortex, past the point in the neck or spine, where the nerves are damaged. It is possible from a physics standpoint to physically restore full body functionality," he said in a video post.

The motor cortex technology feature was announced by Musk in 2022, and the testing began in humans in the same year.

The device includes a chip that replaces a small piece of bone and is connected to the brain via a series of thin, threaded electrodes. The company's N1 implant includes 1,024 electrodes distributed among 64 threads, according to the company's website.

In September, the company announced that it had implanted its device in 12 patients.

Meanwhile, on January 1, Musk's California-based neurotechnology firm announced taking major steps toward restoring vision, with a brain implant that allows the visually impaired, even those blind from birth.

Blindsight, Neuralink's brain chip aimed at restoring vision, received "breakthrough device" designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2024. The company is expected to begin high-volume production of the device this year.

"Neuralink will start high-volume production of brain-computer interface devices and move to a streamlined, almost entirely automated surgical procedure in 2026. Device threads will go through the dura without the need to remove it. This is a big deal," he shared on X.

According to Musk, Blindsight will help people who have lost both eyes, and they will be able to see. He also claimed that, provided the visual cortex remains intact, the device can restore vision even in people who have been blind since birth.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Amazing news! But I have to ask the practical question: what will the cost be? If it's only for the ultra-rich, it's not really a breakthrough for humanity. I hope Indian medical researchers are also working on affordable alternatives.
R
Rohit P
Musk makes big promises, but let's see the actual results on a large scale. The science sounds solid, but human trials need to be thorough. Still, the thought of helping people walk or see again is incredibly inspiring. Jai Vigyan!
S
Sarah B
The ethical implications are huge. A brain implant is a major step. What about data privacy? Could this be misused? We need strong global regulations before this becomes mainstream.
V
Vikram M
Restoring vision for someone blind from birth? That's literally giving someone a new world. This is the kind of technology we should be celebrating. Hope it gets fast-tracked for those who need it most.
K
Karthik V
While the ambition is commendable, I have a respectful criticism. The article focuses on Musk's confidence, but where is the peer-reviewed data from the 12 patients? As a society, we must balance excitement with scientific scrutiny. Let's not put all our faith in one company's announcements.

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