Neuralink Brings a Saving Light to Neural Care

Recent technological development is creating the possibility for individuals with disabilities and neural diseases to hopefully regain some control over their lives. Improvement in Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI’s) might allow the brain and a computer to communicate directly with each other. The most simple of these methods is an EEG (Electroencephalogram), during which electrodes (conductors that measure electrical activity) are placed on the scalp to allow researchers to read brain activity. However, our skulls block many electronic signals and distort the small amount of data that gets through [1]. Scientists can obtain much more detail when they can place these electrodes directly on the brain. This internal placement, although more invasive, opens a world of opportunities to scientists. Since the electrodes can communicate directly with a computer, this allows a blend between man and machine in a way that seems right out of a sci-fi movie. For those with paralysis, this could mean changing the channels on a TV with the mind, sending emails with just a thought, or being able to use a paralyzed part of the body once again. These kinds of changes can revolutionize medical treatment for immediate issues like Parkinson’s disease, neural issues from depression and anxiety, dementia, and paralysis. One company, Neuralink, is at the front line of this technology and is paving the way for its use in the medical field.

What is Neuralink

Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and Max Hodak. The aim of the company is to treat Parkinson’s disease, depression and anxiety, dementia, and even paralysis [2]. In each of these conditions, there are parts of the brain not working as intended, where a mechanical device could be used as a replacement. While other BCI companies like BrainGate use rigid, computer-like chips to receive data, Neuralinks product uses smaller, maneuverable electrodes that minimize impact on the brain's anatomy. To prevent human error, Neuralink is also developing a robot to handle the insertion procedure because the device and electrodes are so small. The robot will perform a programmed procedure where it will place the chip and arrange the electrodes through a small incision in the skull, allowing for a quick and easy operation. The benefits of the Neuralink chip are vast. The device can pick up and relay neural impulses, which function as messages around the human body, to an external computer. Inside the body, these messages allow the brain to register information about one’s surroundings like temperature, or perform actions like typing on a computer. Neuralink transmits these signals to and from a computer, allowing the machine to make up for any missing or dysfunctional part of the human brain [3].

How can Neuralink Help?

The leading treatment method for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s currently is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This is a method to treat symptoms like rigidity and tremors by implanting an electrode deep into the brain in a section known as the basal ganglia which is responsible for executive functions and motor control. The electrode is then powered by a battery placed above the rib cage [4]. Traditionally, DBS delivers persistent stimulation to a part of the brain called the basal ganglia which controls motor learning, executive functions and behaviors, and emotions. Unfortunately, this approach can cause unwanted problems due to the intrusiveness of the electrode like seizures, swellings, and destruction of brain tissue from the corrosion of the device [5]. Neuralink circumvents this issue by having the electrodes placed on the outermost layer of the brain, the dura mater, and a wireless charger that can be placed on the scalp. The device still manages to perform all the duties of typical DBS but reduces the risks and need for maintenance. The device is also very simple to use, only requiring a smartphone app and bluetooth connectivity. This reduces the costs of hospital visits to fix data connections and other technological issues. By using the electrodes, Neuralink can also stimulate inactive or damaged areas of the brain and allow paralyzed individuals to regain mobility and function of their limbs [6].

Risks of Neuralink

Elon Musk’s idea to implant chips in the human brain has been met with discussion of many ethical concerns about the technology. Dr. Karola Kreitmair, assistant professor of bioethics and medical history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, voices concerns about the intent behind such technology and its possible misuse against vulnerable people, describing it as an “uncomfortable marriage between a company that is for-profit…and these medical interventions that hopefully are there to help people'' [7]. Many are also concerned about the invasion of privacy. Breaches of digital privacy have led many to believe the most private area to store information is in our brain and it scares many people that this technology seems to invade that sacred space. The technology’s core strength, its ability to operate devices through the brain, is also what causes the most fear among the general public. Many are concerned that the link between brain and computer will provide hackers a direct pathway to access our body and information. This fear also extends beyond hackers to the government and NSA. The PATRIOT act, a law that enables law enforcement to use all sorts of surveillance to prevent terrorism, is a major concern for the public as it could be used to pry into personal affairs under the disguise of civil safety [8]. The technology is also designed to be easily accessible and is controlled through a phone app and connected via bluetooth, but this simultaneously opens the device up to potential attacks due to weak protection. Alastair Beresford, a professor in computer security at the University of Cambridge mentions “that it is impossible to write bug free code, and therefore good security for internet-connected devices requires prompt patching when vulnerabilities are discovered” [9]. We see examples of seemingly impenetrable systems like Apple slowly succumbing to the oncoming plague of computer viruses and bugs. Recently, Apple had a 400% spike in malware which is a software designed to damage or disrupt a computer system [10]. Many people are also concerned that Neuralink will allow those who are in possession of the device to augment themselves mentally and physically in the future. They could have access to all the world’s information and can control machines with just a thought. 

Solving the Privacy Issue

Taking all these concerns into account, Neuralink and its benefactors have devised strategies to ensure these fears do not come to fruition. The company plans to combat hackers and data-miners by implementing strong security within the hardware of each individual device. They state that they will use “strong cryptography, defensive engineering, and extensive security auditing” to protect their users [3]. With these countermeasures, Neuralink will be difficult to hack. Additionally, Neuralink is an upgradable technology, so with each new iteration of the software, the data safety of the chip increases in quality. Even bluetooth attacks will be tough to pull off due to the strength of the software developed by the company. To combat government spying, it is imperative that restrictions are in place to prevent the misuse of BCI’s. There must be bans on warrants and court orders to search the devices, and severe punishments for breaking these laws. Lastly, Neuralink is far from being able to augment human intelligence. This kind of improvement is decades away and the first superhuman ability to come about will definitely not be super-strength or flight but instead an augmented knowledge base. This will be similar to having your phone and using Google but instead this information is part of your brain already. There even lies a benefit in this form of usage since we can have access to all of humanity’s knowledge immediately. Thankfully, many of Neuralink’s risks can be mitigated through external actions and protocol which make it ideal for medical care.

Conclusion

Neuralink is a powerful new technology that has the ability to change the future of medical care for neural diseases and conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and paralysis. With its implementation, Neuralink can allow individuals with disabilities to either regain their former ability to engage with the world around them, or to experience this freedom for the first time. Although the technology looks promising, there are many concerns about its misuse. These concerns are valid, however many of them can be combated through strict laws and cyber security. Beyond neural care, Neuralink could also possibly augment our body’s neural networks with stronger AI-based networks in the future. These networks can allow faster thought, a larger knowledge base, and more. Imagine merging your mind with all of Google and having access to that information with a single thought. Additionally, Neuralink could be used to enhance communication, allowing us to be pseudo-telepathic and send messages or control things with our mind, just like superheros. Neuralink shows promise as a powerful technology that can be used to benefit disabled individuals and possibly others in the future. 

References:

1. Gevins, A. (1998). The future of electroencephalography in assessing neurocognitive functioning. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 106(2), 165–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-4694(97)00120-X

2. Goled, S. (2022, January 31). What could go wrong with Neuralink? Analytics India Magazine. https://analyticsindiamag.com/what-could-go-wrong-with-neuralink/

3. Neuralink. (2022). Approach: Interfacing with the Brain. https://neuralink.com/approach/

4. Medipol Global. (2020, September 29). Is Neuralink by Elon Musk replacing the deep brain stimulation? https://medipol.com.tr/en/news/is-neuralink-by-elon-musk-replacing-the-deep-brain-stimulation

5. National Institutes of Health. (2018, May 29). Self-tuning brain implant could help treat patients with Parkinson’s disease. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/self-tuning-brain-implant-could-help-treat-patients-parkinsons-disease

6. Seals, T. (2019, July 18). Security Watch: Elon Musk’s NeuraLink Links Brains to iPhones via Bluetooth. https://threatpost.com/elon-musk-neuralink-brains-iphones-bluetooth/146552/

7. Tran, T. H. (2022, January 26). Scientists Express Concern at Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip. Futurism. https://futurism.com/neoscope/scientists-horror-elon-musks-neuralink

8. Sensiba, J. (2020, August 31). Mitigating The Risks of Neuralink. CleanTechnica. https://cleantechnica.com/2020/08/31/mitigating-the-risks-of-neuralink/

9. Scammell, R. (2019, July 25). Neuralink security “has to be solid” to avoid brain hacking. Verdict. https://www.verdict.co.uk/neuralink-security-brain-hacking/

10. Tracy, P. (2020, February 12). Mac threats surpass Windows for first time after 400% spike. LaptopMag. https://www.laptopmag.com/news/mac-threats-surpass-windows-for-first-time-after-400-spike