Genesis: the shock announcement
It is January 29, 2024 , and a tweet appears on X (Twitter) that will mark history. The author, needless to say, is Elon Musk:
The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.
Initial results show promising neuronal spike detection.
Enthusiasm and Hysteria
Having no information about Patient 1, the comments were really all kinds. So many expressed enthusiasm for the incredible progress brought about by a man who, though criticized, is undoubtedly helping to write the history of the present and the near future. Entusiasts, then, have seized the right way this tweet as overcoming physical and cognitive limitations, as advancing medicine and scientific research, and let's face it: as improving human capabilities.
The hysterics , on the other hand, have invaded social with a tidal wave of defeatism: human beings will disappear, we will lose our jobs, we will be controlled and monitored by governments, we will no longer enjoy intellectual freedom, etc.
Perhaps it would have been enough to get informed before crying planetary conspiracy. Let us therefore try to provide some clarity. What exactly is a Neuralink?
Wait: but what is Neuralink?
In VERY simple, button-sized words, Neuralink connects the human brain to a computer.
Since our bodies do not have common USB ports (thankfully), Neuralink accesses the brain through very thin electrode wires that (implanted on the brain) record neural activity and transmit information to the connected computer . Simply put, if I WANT something, I THINK it and the computer performs it for me.
Patient 1: But seriously does it work?
So many of us were wondering about this, and, yes. It certainly seems to be working. And we owe that to PATIENT 1, who two months after the announcement made himself known to the world, with a tweet that I consider EPIQUE.
(referring to previous ownership) Twitter banned me because it thought I was a roBOT, and Elon Musk and X reinstated me because I am one. Truly brilliant Noland Arbaugh, who is 29 years old and, following a car accident eight years ago, lives with total body paralysis from the shoulders down.
Early exercises in telepathy up to. Super Mario Kart!
In the video released yesterday, March 22, an excited Noland visits Neuralink headquarters granting a lengthy interview to the company's in-house team. Moments from Noland's days "connected" to Neuralink and his progress are shown. In a very short time he was able to integrate with the new system.
In the first video contribution (photo left), he practices following, on screen, a moving pixel that he has to - with thought - move to the indicated point on the map. Great applause in the hall. But in progress does not end there.
In the second video contribution (photo at right), it is shown how, a few days later, Noland is already able to use thought as an alternative to the Joypad to play Super Mario Kart as a family.
What can I say, PRODIGIOUS. We are talking about TELEPATHY. And it's only the beginning, it's only patient 1. Imagine the dignity rendered to this person who, before today, necessarily had to rely on tools "outside" his body.
I'm sure Noland, revered Elon Musk, will update us over time with all his progress, and I can't wait to see the next videos!!!
Come, come, come!
In a film I love so much, Groundhog Day, Massimo Troisi - while waiting for the only bathroom in his house to free up - practices every morning by staring at a vase with the intention of moving it with his thoughts. Succeeding would solve all the economic problems of his life. It is certainly not a coveted application for Neuralink, but I love to think of this parallel to the late Neapolitan artist's telekinesis.
Conclusions
The introduction of Neuralink marks an exciting step forward in the evolution of humanity.
This technology promises to overcome physical and cognitive limitations, improving quality of life and opening up new possibilities for discovery and innovation.
I am excited to see how Neuralink can contribute to the advancement of medicine, scientific research and the enhancement of human capabilities, offering a brighter and more promising future for all.
I personally hold advances in health-care in the highest regard. Anything that will enable us to prevent and cure will help us to live an undoubtedly better (human!) life.
