The brain-chip company said in a tweet Thursday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its experimental device for clinical trials on humans for the first time. (The Logic)

Talking point: Electronic brain implants aim to decode brain activity and communicate it to computers, which has the potential to restore mobility to people with paralysis. Neuralink said the approval is an “important first step” that will allow its technology to “help many people,” which until now has only been tested on animals. The company has drawn criticism, however, with the animal rights group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine saying there are “serious safety concerns” about its testing practices. Neuralink has raised US$363 million so far, according to PitchBook. It isn’t clear when clinical trials will begin, and Neuralink has indicated that only those with certain conditions will be eligible to participate. The company said recruitment isn’t open yet.