Elon Musk‘s brain computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink is now accepting patient applications from Canadians interested in receiving the experimental assistive technology.The inclusion of Canadians comes as the startup is facing criticism from a U.S. lawmaker who has accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of failing to properly inspect Neuralink prior to human trials.Already, one American man has had the “cosmetically invisible” computer chip inserted into his brain.
Last week, Neuralink livestreamed the patient, 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, as he used the brain chip to play online chess with only his mind.Arbaugh was paralyzed below his shoulders after a diving accident eight years ago. He received the Neuralink implant in January.On Saturday, Neuralink said its patient registry was now open to Canadian applicants.To be considered, a Canadian must be over the age of 18 and have “quadriplegia, paraplegia, vision loss, hearing loss, the inability to speak, and/or major limb amputation (affecting above or below the elbow and/or above or below the knee.”
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