2023-09-20 19:00:00
NEWS — Neuralink has received authorization to launch its first clinical trials on humans. Despite all the debates to which this “brain-computer” project may give rise, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company officially launched the recruitment of its first guinea pigs on September 19.
As a reminder, Neuralink’s objective is to develop brain implants connected to machines in order to enable the use of digital tools through thought. On paper, it would essentially be about helping people suffering from serious illnesses that we cannot treat (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, paraplegia, etc.) “Brain-computer interfaces have the potential to change lives for the better,” we can read on the company’s website.
Since 2018, Neuralink has been carrying out its tests on pigs, monkeys and rats; this already created a lot of controversy. And for good reason ! According to Reuters, some 1,500 animals would have died due to rushed surgeries.
Despite everything, it is Man’s turn to advance science! Tuesday September 19, Neuralink published its recruitment announcementt for the PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study. These first experiments aim to “evaluate the safety of our implant (N1) and our surgical robot (R1) and to evaluate the initial functionality of our brain-computer interface to enable paralyzed people to control external devices through thought.”
The volunteers should be (very) monitored for more than five years, with two one-hour sessions per week and a few additional medical visits. There is nothing to gain, and here are the recruitment criteria:
Reside in the United States; Be 18 years old or 22 years old (depending on the age of majority in the state); Suffering from specific medical conditions: quadriplegia, paraplegia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Charcot’s disease), loss of vision, loss of hearing, inability to speak and/or major amputation of a limb…
Conversely, there are also excluding criteria:
Have implanted devices, such as a pacemaker; Have ever had epileptic seizures; Having to undergo one or more MRIs; Being under treatment for musculoskeletal disorders.
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