Elon Musk's Neuralink carries out first brain-chip implant in human patient

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's brain-chip startup Neuralink on Sunday implanted its first device in a human patient who is now recovering well, according to the BBC.

In a recent post on the social media platform X, Musk shared that the initial results are promising, with successful neuron spike detection.

Neurons are cells that use electrical and chemical signals to transmit information within the brain and throughout the body.

This marks a critical milestone for the startup as it seeks to help patients overcome paralysis and other neurological conditions.

Last year, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Neuralink clearance to conduct its first human trial. In September, the company announced that it had received approval for recruitment for the said trial.

According to Neuralink, the study employs a robot to implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) in the brain's movement control region, aiming to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.

The implants' “ultra-fine threads” transmit signals in the participants' brains, Neuralink has said.

The first product from Neuralink would be called Telepathy, Musk said in a separate post on X.

The startup's PRIME Study is a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface to evaluate the safety of the implant and surgical robot.

The company has faced calls for scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. Earlier this month, the company was fined for violating US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials, according to Reuters.