27.05.2023 07:48 Last Update: 27.05.2023 07:48
Neuralink, the brain implant company of US billionaire businessman Elon Musk, received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to test the brain chip on humans for the first time. In a statement made on the Neuralink social media account, the FDA approval was described as “an important step that will one day enable a large number of people to be helped”.
RECEIVED A REJECTION
Since 2019, Musk has been saying that his company should be allowed to start human clinical trials for the project, which he believes will “cure serious ailments such as paralysis and blindness.” Founded in 2016, Neuralink first applied for FDA approval at the beginning of last year, and the agency rejected the application, citing some shortcomings. According to the statements of FDA staff, the agency’s refusal indicated that Neuralink needed to “address significant concerns.” Concerns cited included the health of the lithium batteries in the device, the possibility of transporting the implant cables into the brain, and the safe removal of the device without damaging the brain tissue.
Neuralink claims that with a chip implanted in the brain, they can treat diseases such as obesity, autism, depression and schizophrenia, as well as entertainment applications such as internet surfing.
1500 ANIMALS DEAD
The company has been using animals in its experiments since 2018. Allegedly, approximately 1,500 animals, including sheep, pigs and monkeys, that have been used in experiments so far, have died. Finally, it was shared that the chips tested on monkeys can successfully interpret the signals in the brain and transfer them to the devices. On the other hand, Neuralink is currently under investigation by the US Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General for potential animal welfare violations.
‘I CAN FLOW MY OWN KIDS’
Musk claims that brain implants will work in many areas, from treating obesity, autism, depression and schizophrenia to internet surfing and telepathy. Musk, who is also the owner of electric car brand Tesla and social media site Twitter, emphasized last year that he is sure of the reliability of the implant, saying that he can let it be worn with his own children. The US businessman, who also stands out with his space projects, is known for his crazy goals such as colonizing Mars.