UPSC Current Affairs
NEURALINK
Recently, Neuralink is looking to launch clinical trials to put brain implants that would enable patients with deep neural disabilities, such as paralysis, to discharge normal functions such as reading and speech. ABOUT NEURALINK : Neuralink’s brain-computer interface is based on a tiny chip that will be surgically implanted in the brain. This chip will be implanted in an area of the brain that controls neural impulses for movement.
VRAuthor Desk
2 min read
Recently, Neuralink is looking to launch clinical trials to put brain implants that would enable patients with deep neural disabilities, such as paralysis, to discharge normal functions such as reading and speech. ABOUT NEURALINK : Neuralink’s brain-computer interface is based on a tiny chip that will be surgically implanted in the brain. This chip will be implanted in an area of the brain that controls neural impulses for movement.
WHY IN NEWS ?
- Recently, Neuralink is looking to launch clinical trials to put brain implants that would enable patients with deep neural disabilities, such as paralysis, to discharge normal functions such as reading and speech.
ABOUT NEURALINK :
- Neuralink’s brain-computer interface is based on a tiny chip that will be surgically implanted in the brain.
- This chip will be implanted in an area of the brain that controls neural impulses for movement.
- Once inserted, this chip will read and wirelessly transmit the brain’s impulses to an app placed in front of the patient, which will produce outputs based on a user’s thoughts.
- This will be done by decoding the instructions being sent by the brain, and translating the neural impulses into action on the screen.
- In the first trials, the firm will get people suffering from paralysis to move a cursor on a computer screen.
WORKING OF THIS TECHNOLOGY :
- It’s called a brain computer interface (BCI).
- Researchers globally, including in India, are experimenting with both invasive and non-invasive BCIs.
- It includes hairnet-like structures that have sensors and electrodes to recognize neural impulses from the brain.
- Using these, they can stimulate parts of the brain.
- An early instance is a landmark 2011 clinical research in the US on depression patients.
- It proved that with correct stimulations, patients can augment what their nervous system is lacking—and show strong signs of improvement compared to traditional cures such as psychotherapy and drugs.
INDIA@ BRAIN TECHNOLOGIES:
- The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is building BCIs to capture impulses of intentions from the brain.
- This project is at a prototype stage.
- It is being tested by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
- Startup BrainSight AI is working on ‘connectomics’—studying neural links to create a brain map and understand the reasons behind ailments.
SYLLABUS: PRELIMS, SCIENCE AND TECH
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Polity & Governance, Science & Technology.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to NEURALINK, consider the following statements:
- Recently, Neuralink is looking to launch clinical trials to put brain implants that would enable patients with deep neural disabilities, such as paralysis, to discharge normal functions such as reading and speech.
- Neuralink’s brain-computer interface is based on a tiny chip that will be surgically implanted in the brain.
- This chip will be implanted in an area of the brain that controls neural impulses for movement.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of NEURALINK for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- WHY IN NEWS ?
- ABOUT NEURALINK :
- WORKING OF THIS TECHNOLOGY :
- INDIA@ BRAIN TECHNOLOGIES:
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Neuralink in the news?
Recently, Neuralink is looking to launch clinical trials to put brain implants that would enable patients with deep neural disabilities, such as paralysis, to discharge normal functions such as reading and speech. ABOUT NEURALINK : Neuralink’s brain-computer interface is based on a tiny chip that will be surgically implanted in the brain.
What are the key facts about Neuralink?
This chip will be implanted in an area of the brain that controls neural impulses for movement. Once inserted, this chip will read and wirelessly transmit the brain’s impulses to an app placed in front of the patient, which will produce outputs based on a user’s thoughts. This will be done by decoding the instructions being sent by the brain, and translating the neural impulses into action on the screen.
Why is Neuralink important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Polity & Governance, Science & Technology and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.