Neuralink to Begin Human Trials of Brain Chip Implant This Year

Elon Musk's brain-chip start-up Neuralink plans to begin its first human trial this year by implanting a tetraplegic or paraplegic patient. The company received FDA clearance for its first-in-human clinical trial last month, but it may take several years to secure commercial use clearance. Neuralink has faced federal scrutiny over its handling of animal experiments, potential financial conflicts on the board overseeing animal testing, and the illegal transportation of dangerous pathogens on chips removed from monkey brains. Despite these challenges, the company's valuation has risen to around $5 billion.