Monkeys Experience Severe Complications from Neuralink Brain Implants, Raising Ethical Concerns
As the world eagerly awaits the groundbreaking advancements promised by Elon Musk’s Neuralink startup, a recent report has shed light on serious complications suffered by monkeys who participated in the experimental trials. According to Wired, a number of macaque monkeys had to be euthanized due to significant medical issues associated with the brain implants.
Wired conducted their investigation based on veterinary records and interviews with a former Neuralink employee and a University of California researcher. The records revealed that Neuralink had obtained a considerable number of macaque monkeys between 2017 and 2020 for the purpose of testing their brain implants in collaboration with the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC).
Contrary to Musk’s previous claims that no monkeys died as a result of the implants and that they were already in critical condition, the reality appears to be different. The publication reported that many monkeys experienced complications stemming from the implants, including bloody diarrhoea, brain swelling, and partial paralysis.
One distressing case involved a female monkey named Animal 15, who exhibited signs of pain or infection for several months before losing coordination. A necropsy revealed bleeding on her brain, with parts of her cerebral cortex Focally tattered due to the Neuralink implants.
Various other monkeys faced similar issues, as parts of the implants broke off or became loose. According to a former Neuralink employee and an anonymous doctoral candidate at CNPC, it is hard to believe that the monkeys were terminally ill as Musk claimed, given their young age and lack of pre-existing conditions.
The allegations made by the Neuralink insider raise questions about the credibility of Musk’s statements, suggesting they may be ridiculous or entirely fabricated. Furthermore, the informant suggested that the monkeys were in the researchers’ possession for about a year before any surgical procedures were performed.
In light of these revelations, a medical ethics group named the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, known for their opposition to animal testing, is urging the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch an investigation into Musk’s comments. The SEC, responsible for regulating the sale of securities, including those offered by private companies like Neuralink, could potentially shed further light on the matter.
Despite the controversy surrounding the monkey trials, Neuralink has recently initiated clinical trials involving human patients. The initial focus is on individuals with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, Musk’s ambitions for Neuralink extend beyond these conditions, with plans to address autism, depression, obesity, and schizophrenia.
The outcome of the SEC’s investigation into the monkey trials remains uncertain, but it highlights the importance of ethical considerations and the need for transparency in scientific research involving animal subjects. As the scientific community continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it is crucial to ensure that progress is achieved responsibly and with the utmost respect for the well-being of all involved.
