Computer in Human Brains? Elon Musk’s Neuralink Wonder!

With Neuralink, Musk makes hopes to implant computers in Human brains within the next six months

One of Elon Musk's older initiatives is Neuralink. Neuralink Corp. has the zeal to implant a computer in the human brain, using brain-computer interfaces which was the main objective Musk until now. It is to develop an entirely new way for people to connect with computers, which can make the use of touch displays, mice, and keyboards obsolete. 

Neuralink is the culmination of years of work on brain-computer interfaces. A technology known as a brain-machine interface enables a machine, such as a computer, to interact and communicate with a brain. A brain-machine interface that can handle a lot of data and be implanted through a relatively simple surgery is what Neuralink, in particular, aims to create. Its immediate objective is to create a tool that can assist disabled people with particular medical conditions.

Working Principle of Neuralink – The working principle of NEURALINK is as illuminating and enlightening as its design concept. Here are a few features that shed light on NEURALINK's operational dynamics:

The device functions by wirelessly transmitting signals from the brain to the computer. Wireless transmission is credited to its low energy consumption module.

These nodes, which are equipped with flexible threads, connect to the cortex and can transfer massive amounts of data between the two connected interfaces.

These transmission threads are micron-scaled with a width of 4-6 um and can contain 3.072 electrodes per array distributed across 96 threads, according to Elon Musk's official memorandum.

The connected electrodes are then processed to deliver low-level electric current to the brain. In the interim, the connected neurons (via synapsis) continue to facilitate a transforming magnetic field, allowing for a smooth flow of electric charge between the brain and the computer.

This eventually results in phenomenal sensations that can be seen on a computer screen.

Applications of Neuralink 

• It helps in identifying and treating pathological and neurological disorders
• It deals with issues related to memory loss.
• Deals with the effects of depression, hearing loss, paralysis, addiction, and anxiety.
• Create a visual prosthesis and perform telepathy insights.
• Allow your pent-up creative emotions to flourish.
• Diagnose problems with your psychological well-being.
• Disease forecasting (for example, Parkinson's disease).
• Neurosurgery by the robot.

Despite its numerous applications, some challenges are associated with it such as:

Challenges associated with it – Neuralink is focused on developing systems that use super-thin threads to transport electrodes. When implanted in the brain, these threads would form a high-capacity channel for a computer to communicate with the brain, a system that is expected to be far more powerful than the current brain-machine interfaces which are under development. But one major challenge in inserting these incredibly tiny wires, which are thinner than human hair, is getting them past the skull and into the brain. As a result, Neuralink is also developing an incredibly small robot that connects the electrode to humans via surgery similar to a Lasik eye procedure.

The appropriate neural activity is read. This is due to the highly complex brain functions, and the device may need some time to connect to the brain signals.

It lacks the resolution required to discern the activity of the tiny brain cells.

Electrodes may cause scar tissue damage. Sometimes it may come up with faulty feedback.

Does Neuralink revolutionize modern medicine?

As already said, Neuralink leverages technology that has existed for a very long time. What is novel about Elon Musk's company is that it has compacted the technology into a tiny implantable device and is attempting to make it accessible to the general public in an inexpensive and upgradable way.

Neuralink aims to treat memory loss, hearing loss, blindness, paralysis, insomnia, extreme pain, seizures, addiction, strokes, and brain tissue damage, in addition to augmenting damaged areas of the nervous system, not just the brain. But more crucially, Musk wants Neuralink to usher in a brand-new era of computing and machine interaction.

Elon Musk's Neuralink may truly revolutionize modern medicine, depending on how the FDA trials and clinical trials turn out. Since the technology will require a lot of assistance from outside developers.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, Elon Musk hopes to implant computers in Human brains within the next six months since it is very much essential in the healthcare industry, especially for disabled people.