Η Neuralink, the brain chip startup founded by Elon Musk, says it has received approval to begin the first clinical trial in Canada for a device designed to give paralyzed people the ability to use digital devices just by thinking.
Reuters he says:
A Canadian study aims to evaluate the safety and initial functionality of the company's implant, which allows people with quadriplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs, to control external devices with their thoughts. Canada's University Health Network hospital said in a separate statement that its Toronto facility was chosen to perform the complex neurosurgery.
Neuralink successfully implanted the same device in two patients in the United States. One of the patients was using it to play video games and learn how to draw 3D objects.
Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Musk and a team of engineers. Among other things, he makes a brain interface chip that can be implanted inside the skull, and can help disabled patients move and communicate again or restore their sight.
In September, the startup received a “breakthrough device” designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for its experimental implant that aims to restore vision.
