British patients are set to receive Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chips as part of the first UK clinical trial. Neuralink is partnering with University College London Hospitals Trust and Newcastle Hospitals for the project, the company said in an announcement. Seven participants who cannot walk will be fitted with an implant about the size of a 10p coin, allowing them to control a smartphone with their mind. Those living with paralysis due to conditions such as spinal cord injuries and a nervous system disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis qualify for the study, the company revealed in a post on X. This comes after a paralysed woman in the US revealed the shocking effect the brain implant has already had on her life. Audrey Crews, who has been paralysed since she was 16, became one of five people in the US who have already been implanted with the brain chip.

HB, who is paralysed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has become the first woman to use a brain implant at home and in her daily life. She told New Scientist about her experiences using an eye-tracking device that takes about a minute to spell a word. What is your life like? I can only move my eyes. Why did you decide to try the implant?