Unveiling Ethical Concerns: Neuralink's Primate Experiments Under Scrutiny

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 6:29 a.m.

Controversy surrounds Neuralinks primate experiments, as allegations challenge Elon Musks claims of terminally ill subjects. Concerns arise over animal testing ethics and experiment validity.

In a controversial development, concerns have arisen surrounding the use of primates in Neuralink's brain implant experiments, shedding doubt on the accuracy of statements made by Elon Musk, the CEO of the company. Neuralink, a venture founded by Musk, garnered attention for its brain-computer interface technology, notably showcasing a video of monkeys playing pong using their thoughts.

Musk previously stated that the monkeys involved in Neuralink's trials were terminally ill and that none of them perished due to the implanted chips. However, a recent letter filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) disputes Musk's claims. The PCRM alleges that Neuralink's experiments resulted in the deaths of several monkeys.

According to Wired magazine, which reviewed public records and interviewed a former Neuralink employee, the monkeys endured distressing conditions during the experiments, with several having to be euthanized. After the brain implants were surgically inserted, the test subjects experienced severe complications, including bloody diarrhea, partial paralysis, and brain swelling.

One disturbing incident from December 2019 involved a Neuralink chip breaking during implantation. Although surgery was attempted to rectify the issue the following day, the site had already become infected with fungal and bacterial infections, necessitating the euthanization of the afflicted monkey in January 2020.

A second distressing case involved a female monkey identified as "Animal 15." Shortly after receiving the implant, she displayed signs of discomfort, repeatedly pressing her head against the floor and exhibiting behavior indicative of pain or infection. Her condition deteriorated, leading to euthanasia. Necropsy reports revealed brain bleeding and damage to her cerebral cortex caused by the implant.

In a third instance, a male monkey known as "Animal 22" experienced an implant malfunction as the microchip became dislodged, and the securing screws loosened to the point of being removable. His necropsy report unequivocally stated that the Neuralink implant failure was purely mechanical and not exacerbated by infection, leading to his euthanasia. This directly contradicts Musk's assertion that no monkeys died due to Neuralink's chips.

Furthermore, a former Neuralink employee disclosed to Wired that the test primates had been in Neuralink's possession for approximately a year before any surgical procedures were performed. This revelation challenges Musk's claim that the monkeys were close to death.

The emergence of these troubling accounts has raised profound ethical questions about the use of animals in testing cutting-edge technologies and has cast doubt on the credibility of Neuralink and its CEO's statements.

This unfolding controversy underscores the critical need for transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations when conducting scientific experiments involving animals and emerging technologies. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of rushing into uncharted scientific territories without due diligence and compassion for the subjects involved."