In a recent announcement on the social media platform X, tech magnate Elon Musk declared a successful implementation of Neuralink's wireless brain chips in a human subject. Musk reported promising initial results, including detected neuron spikes and the patient's satisfactory recovery. Neuralink's overarching mission is to establish a connection between human brains and computers, primarily to address complex neurological conditions. Several competitor entities have previously deployed similar devices, such as Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, which enabled a paralyzed individual to walk through electronic implants on the brain and spine.

It's important to note that Musk's claims are yet to be independently verified, and BBC News has reached out to Neuralink and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comments. Neuralink has faced criticism in the past, with reports of testing that allegedly resulted in the deaths of around 1,500 animals. However, the head of the US Department of Agriculture, responsible for investigating animal welfare concerns, stated in July 2023 that no violations of animal research rules were found at Neuralink, although a separate ongoing investigation is underway.

In May 2023, the FDA granted Neuralink permission to conduct human trials, marking the initiation of a six-year study involving the use of a robot to surgically place 64 flexible threads onto a specific brain region controlling "movement intention." These threads facilitate the recording and wireless transmission of brain signals to an app, which decodes the user's intended movements.

Elon Musk also revealed that Neuralink's inaugural product, named Telepathy, is in development. Telepathy is envisioned to enable control of electronic devices, including phones and computers, through thought alone. The initial target users are individuals who have lost limb functionality, aiming to enhance their communication abilities. Musk likened the potential impact to imagining physicist Stephen Hawking communicating faster than a professional typist or auctioneer.

While Musk's involvement elevates Neuralink's visibility, competitors with a two-decade track record, like Utah-based Blackrock Neurotech and Precision Neuroscience, founded by a Neuralink co-founder, are also striving to assist people with paralysis. These companies have developed brain-computer interfaces with different designs and implantation procedures. Recent scientific studies in the US have demonstrated the effectiveness of brain implants in monitoring and decoding brain activity to aid communication efforts.