Everything you need to know about the Neuralink project

The world of technology is advancing by leaps and bounds and we can see this in all the advances we have had in recent years. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the Neuralink project.

This is a project which is developed by a company of the same name and which is owned by billionaire Elon Musk.

This company is developing a neural implant that would be surgically installed in interested persons. This would allow people to obtain a series of quite interesting skills among which we can mention controlling machines.

If you are interested in knowing a little more about this interesting project, continue reading that we will explain better everything you need to know.

What is Neuralink?

Neuralink is a company dedicated to the development of technology related to neurotechnology.

In short, this company is in charge of studying how objects or other forms interact with the brain. For this, what is known as biological computing is used. In short, the company seeks to develop a technology capable of interacting directly with the human brain and that does not require the voice or the hands.

Undoubtedly, it is quite an interesting technology and so far it is unprecedented. This will represent a completely different way in which we interact with machines and other devices.

So far, the technology is still under development, so all its potentialities are still being investigated. However, it is important to mention that this company is quite controversial. Especially since this neural implant will have to be surgically implanted in people's brains.

How does Neuralink work?

Before understanding how Neuralink works, it is best to understand the science behind the human brain. The brain is made up of neurons that transmit signals to cells in the body, including muscles, nerves, glands, and other neuronal cells.

Each neuron is made up of three parts: the dendrite, the soma (cell body), and the axon. Each of the parts of a neuron has its own function.

The dendrite receives the signals. The soma processes these signals. The axon transmits the signals to the other cells. Neurons are connected to each other through synapses that release neurotransmitters. These chemicals are delivered to the dendrite of another neuronal cell and cause current to flow through the neurons.

The electrodes that are part of the Neuralink read the electrical signals produced by various neurons in the brain. Signals are issued in the form of action or movement. According to the company's website, the device is implanted directly into the brain, as if it is placed outside the head it will not accurately detect the signals produced by the brain.

This is a fairly simple explanation so that you can understand how this technology works. It is a technology that promises a lot and that in the future can help a large number of people.

How will the neural chip be implanted?

As we have already mentioned, this technology will require the implantation of a neural chip. This must be implanted directly into the brain of the person through a hole in the skull.

As we are talking about drilling a hole in the skull and inserting wires into the brain, there are many reservations among people. Musk has said the procedure is complex and beyond the capabilities of even skilled human hands.

For this reason, Neuralink offers people a series of robots which are specially developed to carry out the fast and precise insertion of the device in the cortex. The company said it will work in accordance with the regulations of the health ministries while carrying out the operation to guarantee its safety.

The Neuralink robot will be in charge of introducing the module or chip into the brain with the help of a microscope and needles the size of 24 microns (a micron is one millionth of a meter). These needles are so small that they are not easy to detect with the naked eye.

According to the company, there could be 10,000 electrodes inserted into the brain.

The robot has been designed to ensure that the device is inserted into the brain without touching any veins or arteries. Each electrode will be inserted specifically avoiding any type of blood vessel.

The operation will require a 2mm incision that will be dilated up to 8mm. After the intervention is completed, the exposed part of the skull will be covered with the chipset module. The setup procedure can take up to two hours, according to Musk, and the person may also be under partial anesthesia during the process.

This implantation process, despite being complex, the truth is that it is quite safe thanks to the implantation methods stipulated by the company.

What can this technology do?

As has been learned, Neuralink will have a wide variety of applications for the health sector. It has even been said that this brain implant could cure cerebral palsy. It has also been commented on the possibility of treating another series of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

Among other capabilities that have been discussed refer to "telepathy." This would refer to the possibility of communicating with thought between people with these implants.

The truth is that the amount of advances that this technology can bring can be extremely important. In any case, we will have to wait for further tests to be carried out. In this way, we will be able to know all the real benefits that this technology can have. But without a doubt, it is one of those things that if it works, it can change the world forever.

Tests performed on animals

For some years now, Neuralink has been conducting tests on animals. The tests have been done on mice, pigs, and most recently a monkey.

In a recent presentation video we have seen a monkey playing Pong. At first, the primate uses a joystick to play, however, later it is appreciated how it moves it wirelessly. All this is done thanks to the connection of the neural implant, the brain and the game.

This charismatic monkey which goes by the name “Pager” has the N1 Link device implanted in his brain, which has 1,024 electrodes. Thanks to these results, it can be seen that the device could help people with paralysis to interact with devices such as smartphones.

Neuralink still has a lot of work ahead of it, but they are working tirelessly to perfect these devices. However, hopefully a few years will pass before we can see these devices on the market. However, it is clear that they can become a real revolution.