Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, has secured an additional $43 million in funding to advance its technology. This innovative technology uses wireless implants with a high number of electrodes to read brain signals. However, Neuralink faces inspections due to controversies regarding its workplace culture and research practices.
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Neuralink’s recent funding pull of $43 million adds to a previous round that grew to $323 million, backed by prominent investor Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund. This strong funding showing from 32 investors underlines their confidence in Neuralink’s groundbreaking brain-computer interface technology.
Founded in 2016, Neuralink’s mission is to develop implantable chips that decode brain signals. Their approach utilizes a unique, minimally interfering device to embed ultra-thin threads equipped with multiple electrodes. This wireless technology, with its increased electrode count, pushes the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces.
Also Read: Elon Musk’s Neuralink Succssfully Implant Chip in Human Brain
After overcoming prior difficulties, Neuralink achieved a major milestone in May by securing FDA approval for the first-in-human trials. These trials, conducted under an FDA exemption, are currently recruiting participants. However, the company remains under inspection due to questions surrounding its workplace culture and research ethics.
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Brain-Computer Interfacing: An Introduction
This introduction to the field is designed as a textbook for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate courses in neural engineering or brain-computer interfacing for students from a wide range of disciplines. It can also be used for self-study and as a reference by neuroscientists, computer scientists, engineers, and medical practitioners. Key features include questions and exercises in each chapter and a supporting website.
Reports suggest a tough internal environment, with former employees describing a “culture of blame and fear.” Elon Musk’s direct involvement in handling employee issues has raised questions about management. The turnover of founding scientists also hints at internal conflicts.
Controversy come to light in 2022 when the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) accused Neuralink and its former partner, UC Davis, of mistreating monkeys during testing. Rushed procedures for quick results led to psychological distress and infections in the animals. Neuralink faced a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which concluded with “no evidence” of animal welfare breaches.
In a recent twist, U.S. lawmakers have asked the SEC to investigate Neuralink for not disclosing details about the deaths of animals fitted with its implants. This adds to the inspection around Neuralink’s practices and raises questions about transparency.
M31Global News will continue to follow the developments of Neuralink’s human trials and provide updates as they become available.
The Team, M31Global News