The Musk pig also known as Neuralink pig, refers to a demonstration by Elon Musk's company Neuralink in August 2020.[1][2] In the demonstration, a pig named Gertrude[3] was implanted with a Neuralink Brain–computer interface (BCI), the size of a coin (23 millimeters),[4][5] with the purpose of showing the progress the company had made in developing a BCI that could one day help treat neurological conditions, enable brain-to-machine communication, and potentially enhance human cognition.[6][7][8]
Demonstration
editIn August 2020, in a live demo, Gertrude’s brain activity was displayed in real time.[9][10] Neuralink device implanted in Gertrude's brain recorded signals from the neurons connected to her snout as it interacted with its environment, such as when it sniffed or touched things.[11][12] The device is removable.[13][14] The data showed that the technology could read and interpret brain signals, which is key to developing applications that could help people with dementia, paralysis, memory loss, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges.[15][16]
The demonstration also had 2 other pigs. One of the pig had once had a Neuralink chip implanted in its brain and subsequently removed to demonstrate that the chip can be safely removed without affecting the health of the pigs negatively.[17][18] The third pig had not had a chip implanted in its brain at all, even in the past.[19][20] The aim of the third was for comparison to show that show a similarity in health and behavior of both implanted and non-implanted pigs.[21][22]
Aim
editMusk envisioned this as a step toward making BCIs mainstream, with future versions potentially allowing humans to control computers or devices with their minds.[23][24] Other functionalities it aimed to achieve was restore lost sensory and motor functions, and possibly achieve advanced capabilities, like uploading thoughts or interfacing directly with artificial intelligence.[25][26]
Concerns
editConcerns about Neuralink include animal welfare regarding ethical treatment and safety in testing.[27] [28] For humans, risks involve potential complications from brain surgery, like infection or long-term damage.[29][30]Additionally, privacy issues arise as brain data could be vulnerable to misuse or hacking, raising security concerns about how such sensitive information would be protected.[31]
References
edit- ^ "Elon Musk shows off Neuralink's brain implant in pigs". New Atlas. 2020-08-31. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Renton, Angela (2020-09-01). "Neuralink put a chip in Gertrude the pig's brain. It might be useful one day". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Neuralink: Meet Gertrude, the pig with a chip in her brain". Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Lewis, Tanya (2020-11-01). "Elon Musk's Pig-Brain Implant Is Still a Long Way from 'Solving Paralysis'". Scientific American. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "'Three little pigs': Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains". NBC News. 2020-08-29. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk demonstrated a Neuralink brain implant in a live pig". New Scientist. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/farming-business-management/elon-musk-uses-pigs-to-demo-brain-implants
- ^ "Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains". Sky News. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Goud, Naveen (2020-09-01). "Elon Musk Neuralink puts AI chip in a Pig". Cybersecurity Insiders. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk Unveils Brain Computer Implanted in Pigs". Bloomberg.com. 2020-08-28. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Metz, Rachel (2020-08-29). "Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant — in pigs | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk: We've already implanted Neuralink in live pigs". Futurism. 2020-08-31. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Wong, Julia Carrie (2020-08-29). "Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig he claims has computer implant in brain". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "expert reaction to Elon Musk's Neuralink demonstration involving pigs | Science Media Centre". Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig with chip in its brain". 2020-08-29. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Farr, Lori Ioannou,Christina (2020-08-28). "Elon Musk demonstrates brain-computer tech Neuralink in live pigs". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pig's brain". www.thepigsite.com. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Wetsman, Nicole (2020-08-28). "Elon Musk trots out pigs in demo of Neuralink brain implants". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Vance, Ashlee (2020-08-29). "Elon Musk unveils brain computer implanted in pigs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk's neuroscience startup unveils pig with computer chip in its brain - National | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk shows Neuralink brain implant working in a pig". CNET. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ https://www.reuters.com/article/world/three-little-pigs-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-animal-brains-idUSKBN25P022/
- ^ Barros, Ana (2020-09-07). "Elon Musk's Neuralink pig showcase". EARA. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk demonstrates Neuralink brain chip in living pig". Consequence. 2020-08-28. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ https://www.geekwire.com/2020/three-little-pigs-help-elon-musk-demonstrate-neuralinks-brain-implant/
- ^ Mahdawi, Arwa (2020-09-01). "Don't be brainwashed – Elon Musk's 'bionic pig' is just a publicity stunt". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/
- ^ www.ETHealthworld.com. "Musk unveils pig with chip in brain - ET HealthWorld". ETHealthworld.com. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Hamilton, Isobel Asher; Nolan, Beatrice (2024-03-22). "Neuralink's first human patient has been revealed. Here's how we got here". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk, the Monkey and the Three Pigs: A Transhumanist Fable? - Futuribles". Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Elon Musk demonstrates how a Neuralink chip brain implant works – in a pig". Firstpost. 2020-09-04. Retrieved 2024-11-13.