Implanting [verb]

Scientists may develop new ways to treat diseases, but drugs and implants could also be used to control our thoughts and emotions, or even change who we are — the stuff of dystopian novels.

Unlike engineering, the solution to the brain isn’t more channels or more implants.

Rather than removing the entire implant, it could potentially be useful to leave the threads inside the brain and only remove the top cap—the Link device that contains the processing chip.

The electrodes of the implant itself are “sewn” into the brain with automated robotic surgery, relying on brain imaging techniques to avoid blood vessels and reduce brain bleeding.

Researchers gave mixed reviews of Elon Musk’s colorful demonstration on Friday of Neuralink, his sci-fi startup that’s developing a brain implant.

Neuralink isn’t the first to believe that brain implants could extend or restore human capabilities.

He thinks an implant also needs to be easy to install and remove, so that people can get new ones as technology improves.

The brain of one pig contained an implant, and hidden speakers briefly chimed out ringtones that Musk said were recordings of the animal’s neurons firing in real time.

Having several implants could help, presumably, to help the brain perform different tasks.

As for the pig that had no longer has an implant, Musk said that was intended to show that the device can be removed without leaving any noticeable scars or neurological damage.