Neuralink Co-founder Advocates for Safer Brain-Computer Interfaces
Dr. Benjamin Rapoport, a neurosurgeon and co-founder of Elon Musk’s biotech company Neuralink, recently revealed his departure from the company, citing safety concerns over the current approach to brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Neuralink’s method involves the insertion of numerous electrodes into the brain, a process that Rapoport believes carries unnecessary risks.
Concerns Over Neuralink’s Approach
Rapoport, who has dedicated his career to the development of neural interfaces, voiced his concerns in a recent Wall Street Journal podcast interview. He stated that the insertion of electrodes into the brain’s tissue could potentially cause damage, and he believes it is possible to extract valuable data from the brain without causing harm. This belief led him to establish his own company, Precision Neuroscience, which aims to achieve similar results using non-invasive technology.
Animal Welfare and Ethical Concerns
Neuralink’s approach has sparked controversy both internally and externally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns about the company’s animal welfare controls following inspections of its California laboratory in 2021 and 2022. According to company records, Neuralink has euthanized approximately 1,500 animals since 2018 in its attempts to successfully connect brains to computer interfaces. Despite these concerns, Neuralink received FDA approval to begin human trials and reported the successful insertion of a chip into its first living human in January.
The Battle for Brain Supremacy
Precision Neuroscience, founded by Rapoport in 2021, focuses on using surface microelectrodes that coat the brain’s surface without penetrating it. This method, Rapoport believes, mitigates the risks associated with invasive procedures. He is optimistic about the potential of BCIs, stating they could change the way both medical patients and healthy individuals interact with computers in the future.
The Cost and Future of BCIs
Despite the promising potential of BCIs, Rapoport acknowledges the high costs associated with the research and development of these procedures. However, he remains hopeful for a future where such enhancements are widely available and affordable. Precision Neuroscience aims to make its technology accessible without compromising its ethical standards.
Conclusion
The debate over the safety and ethics of brain-computer interfaces continues as companies like Neuralink and Precision Neuroscience strive to push the boundaries of this technology. While the potential benefits are significant, the concerns raised by experts like Dr. Rapoport highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and ethics in the development of such groundbreaking technology.
