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Elon Musk’s Neuralink Expands Brain Chip Trials To Canada

Elon Musk’s brain-interface company, Neuralink, has announced its first clinical trial approval in Canada, marking a significant step in its mission to assist individuals with paralysis. The trial will test a groundbreaking brain implant designed to enable paralysed users to control digital devices purely through thought.

The Canadian Breakthrough

The trial, approved by Health Canada, aims to evaluate the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink’s implant in individuals with quadriplegia. This neural technology seeks to provide a lifeline for those unable to use their limbs by facilitating thought-controlled interactions with external devices.

The procedure is set to be performed at Toronto’s University Health Network hospital, renowned for its advanced neurosurgical capabilities. Neuralink has not yet disclosed a timeline for the trial, and Health Canada has not issued a public statement on the approval.

Progress in the United States

Neuralink has already seen progress in the United States, where two patients have had the brain chip implanted. According to the company, one trial participant has successfully used the device to play video games and experiment with designing 3D objects. This builds on Neuralink’s broader vision of enhancing human-machine interactions.

In September, Neuralink’s implant received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “breakthrough device” designation for its potential to restore vision. This recognition highlights its innovative potential for improving the quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities.

A Visionary Endeavor

Since its founding in 2016 by Musk and a team of engineers, Neuralink has pursued ambitious goals. Beyond enabling basic device control, the company envisions a future where its brain-interface technology can restore mobility, communication, and even vision for disabled patients. The device, designed to be implanted within the skull, represents a fusion of cutting-edge neuroscience and engineering.

The Road Ahead

Neuralink’s expansion into Canada signifies growing international interest in its revolutionary technology. While the clinical trials remain in their early stages, success in these studies could pave the way for broader applications of brain-computer interfaces, potentially transforming how neurological conditions are treated.

As Neuralink continues its journey, its progress could redefine the boundaries of what is possible in assistive technologies, offering hope to millions worldwide.

TikTok Returns To US App Stores 

TikTok is once again available for download in the Apple and Google app stores in the US, following a delay in the enforcement of its ban by former President Donald Trump. The ban’s postponement until April 5 gives the administration additional time to evaluate the situation.

Key Developments

The decision to restore TikTok access came after Google and Apple received reassurances from the Trump administration that they would not face legal consequences for reinstating the Chinese-owned app. According to Bloomberg, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter outlining these guarantees.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Trump instructed the attorney general not to take enforcement action for 75 days, providing time for his administration to determine how to proceed.

Uncertain Future For TikTok In The US

While TikTok is back on the US app stores, its long-term survival remains uncertain. If no deal is reached by early April to address national security concerns, the app may face another shutdown. ByteDance, the parent company, has insisted that TikTok is not for sale.

Legislation And Pressure On ByteDance

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy-Controlled Apps Act, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress, mandates a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sells its US operations. This law was signed by President Joe Biden in April of last year.

In late January, the app was briefly removed from US stores following the ban’s activation, impacting over 170 million American users. However, TikTok was restored soon after, following Trump’s intervention in his first hours as president. During that time, he signed an executive order allowing 75 days for a deal that would safeguard national security. Trump also suggested that the US could take a 50% stake in TikTok, a move he believed would keep the app “in good hands.”

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