Neuralink Stock: The Future of Brain-Computer Interface Technology is Here!. According to a recent report by the Associated Press1, Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a company that specializes in brain-computer interface technology, has implanted its first human patient with its device. The patient is reportedly recovering well, and initial results show promising neuron spike detection. However, Musk did not provide additional details about the patient.
Neuralink is one of many groups working on linking the nervous system to computers, efforts aimed at helping treat brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries, and other applications. The company is searching for individuals with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, to participate in its clinical trials 1.
Neuralink’s medical device, the N1, is a brain-computer interface device that is physically inserted into the brain to read signals and make them available for computers. The N1 has more than 1,000 electrodes attached to 64 threads, which amplifies its brain-reading potential. Neuralink’s threads are also flexible, accommodating the constant movements of the brain. Equally vital is Neuralink’s surgical device, the R1 Robot. The N1 threads are thinner than human hairs, so they can’t be inserted by hand. But Neuralink’s R1 device can target specific parts of the brain and insert all 64 threads in only about 15 minutes, according to the company 1.
Neuralink is a private company that is not publicly traded yet. It has raised $280 million from private investors in its series D funding round in August 2023 and an additional $43 million in November 2023 for the same round 2. Retail investors can’t buy Neuralink stock directly, but they can invest in Alphabet or Tesla stocks that own shares of the company 2. The IPO is expected to happen in the future, but it’s not clear when or how 2.
If you’re interested in investing in Neuralink stock, you can keep an eye on the company’s website and social media accounts for updates on its IPO. In the meantime, you can invest in Alphabet or Tesla stocks that own shares of the company 2. However, before making any investment decisions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor.
What is brain-computer interface technology?
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a technology that enables direct communication between the brain and an external device, such as a computer or robotic limb 1. BCIs are often directed at researching, mapping, assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions 1. The technology works by detecting and interpreting electrical signals produced by the brain and translating them into commands that can be used to control a device 1. BCIs can be non-invasive (EEG, MEG, MRI), partially invasive (ECoG and endovascular), or invasive (microelectrode array), depending on how close electrodes get to brain tissue 1. The history of BCIs dates back to the 1970s, and the first neuroprosthetic devices implanted in humans appeared in the mid-1990s 1. There are currently more than 40 brain-computer interface trials underway, according to clinicaltrials.gov 1.
In the context of Neuralink, a company that specializes in brain-computer interface technology, the company’s medical device, the N1, is a brain-computer interface device that is physically inserted into the brain to read signals and make them available for computers 1. The N1 has more than 1,000 electrodes attached to 64 threads, which amplifies its brain-reading potential. Neuralink’s threads are also flexible, accommodating the constant movements of the brain. Equally vital is Neuralink’s surgical device, the R1 Robot. The N1 threads are thinner than human hairs, so they can’t be inserted by hand. But Neuralink’s R1 device can target specific parts of the brain and insert all 64 threads in only about 15 minutes, according to the company 1.
Neuralink Stock: Who else is working on BCIs?
There are many companies working on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Here are some of the leading companies in this field:
- Neuralink: Founded by Elon Musk, Neuralink is developing a brain-computer interface device that is physically inserted into the brain to read signals and make them available for computers. The company is building devices that will help people with paralysis, memory loss, hearing loss, blindness, and other neurological problems 1.
- Blackrock Neurotech: Blackrock Neurotech is developing a wireless brain-computer interface system that can be used to control prosthetic limbs, computers, and other devices 2.
- Neurable: Neurable is focused on bringing technology from the lab into the real world so that neurotechnology is simple and accessible enough to use in your everyday life. The company is creating cognitive measurement tools and developing a way to measure the brain’s emotional state, specifically designed for attention, which could be even more specifically defined and understood as “cognitive load” 1.
- Synchron: Synchron is developing a minimally invasive brain-computer interface system that can be implanted in the brain to help people with paralysis control prosthetic limbs, computers, and other devices 3.
- Emotiv: Emotiv is developing a wireless brain-computer interface system that can be used to control computers, games, and other devices 1.
- Kernel: Kernel is developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface system that can be used to monitor and improve brain function 3.
- InBrain Neuroelectronics: InBrain Neuroelectronics is developing a wireless brain-computer interface system that can be used to monitor and treat neurological disorders 4.
These are just a few examples of the many companies working on brain-computer interface technology.
FDA Approval for Neuralink
Neuralink got the green light from the FDA for human trials of its brain-computer interface technology, paving the way for potential future medical applications.