Are you willing to let Elon Musk put things in you? No, not in a fun way. I mean, would you be willing to be part of his human trials for the Neuralink brain implant?
In a story we saw on PC Mag, we learned that the $260B Tesla CEO needs people to get behind his startup company in a very serious way. The implant’s intended purpose is to help patients who’ve lost the use of their limbs operate computers. It’s no miracle device, but it is undoubtedly a step in a positive direction … hopefully.
Nueralink is currently recruiting for clinical trials, but the eligibility criteria are pretty strict. Not just anyone can sign up.
Nueralink is looking for people who meet the following prerequisites:
- Have quadriplegia (limited function in all 4 limbs) due to spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are at least 1-year post-injury (without improvement)
- Are at least 22 years old
- Have a consistent and reliable caregiver
As of right now, Nueralink is not accepting applicants who fit into the following checkboxes:
- Have an active implanted device (pacemaker, deep brain stimulator (DBS), etc.)
- Have a history of seizures
- Require MRIs for an ongoing medical condition
- Are receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment
The study is expected to run for six years. Volunteers will be expected to attend two one-hour research sessions per week.
Even after the study concludes, there is a five-year follow-up period that encompasses twenty visits, but it is not clear if these are in-person or at home.
While it is easy to be snarky when it comes to Elon Musk, I truly hope that this venture helps those who’ve lost the use of their limbs. However, I can already see the various news media outlets drawing up stories about how this tech is ableist or something.
What do you think of Nueralink? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: PC Mag]ClownfishTV.com strives to be an apolitical, balanced and based pop culture news outlet. However, our contributors are entitled to their individual opinions. Author opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of our video hosts, other site contributors, site editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. This website contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We disclaim products or services we have received for review purposes, as well as sponsored posts.
