Elon Musk’s Neuralink Implants Brain Chip in First Human 

Neuralink logo and Elon Musk photo are seen in this illustration taken, December 19, 2022. (Reuters)
Neuralink logo and Elon Musk photo are seen in this illustration taken, December 19, 2022. (Reuters)
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Elon Musk’s Neuralink Implants Brain Chip in First Human 

Neuralink logo and Elon Musk photo are seen in this illustration taken, December 19, 2022. (Reuters)
Neuralink logo and Elon Musk photo are seen in this illustration taken, December 19, 2022. (Reuters)

The first human patient has received an implant from brain-chip startup Neuralink on Sunday and is recovering well, the company's billionaire founder Elon Musk said.

"Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Musk said in a post on the social media platform X on Monday.

Spikes are activity by neurons, which the National Institute of Health describes as cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information around the brain and to the body.

The US Food and Drug Administration had given the company clearance last year to conduct its first trial to test its implant on humans, a critical milestone in the startup's ambitions to help patients overcome paralysis and a host of neurological conditions.

In September, Neuralink said it received approval for recruitment for the human trial.

The study uses a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in a region of the brain that controls the intention to move, Neuralink said previously, adding that its initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.

The implants' "ultra-fine" threads help transmit signals in participants' brains, Neuralink has said.

The first product from Neuralink would be called Telepathy, Musk said in a separate post on X.

The startup's PRIME Study is a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface to evaluate the safety of the implant and surgical robot.

Neuralink did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for further details.

The company has faced calls for scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. Reuters reported earlier this month that the company was fined for violating US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials.

The company was valued at about $5 billion last June, but four lawmakers in late November asked the US Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Musk had misled investors about the safety of its technology after veterinary records showed problems with the implants on monkeys included paralysis, seizures and brain swelling.

Musk wrote in a social media post on Sept. 10 that "no monkey has died as a result of a Neuralink implant." He added that the company chose "terminal" monkeys to minimize risk to healthy ones.



Huawei Launches Skills Development Center to Train 25,000 Talents in Saudi Arabia

Huawei Launches Skills Development Center to Train 25,000 Talents in Saudi Arabia
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Huawei Launches Skills Development Center to Train 25,000 Talents in Saudi Arabia

Huawei Launches Skills Development Center to Train 25,000 Talents in Saudi Arabia

In partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Huawei has launched the Huawei Skills Development Center, a new initiative aimed at advancing the Kingdom’s digital talent landscape. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh.
The center marks a significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between the ministry and Huawei, focusing on developing digital capabilities and fostering ICT talent across the Kingdom, SPA reported.
With a goal of training 25,000 local talents by 2030, the center will offer a comprehensive annual training program covering key technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging digital platforms. The curriculum will integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, equipping trainees with advanced skills to tackle complex technical challenges and drive digital transformation across various sectors.
The Huawei Skills Development Center will commence operations immediately, with the first training programs set to launch in the coming weeks.