Image: Neuralink, 2021. Monkey playing Mind Ping-Pong using its brain.
Image: Rachel Levy, The Guardian, 2022. Neuralink using animals like pigs as "Experiments"
Image: Neuralink, 2021. Monkey playing Mind Ping-Pong using its brain.
Neuralink
Neuralink Corp, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, stands at the forefront of neurotechnology with it's ambitious goal of developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The company's journey has been marked by both commendable advancements and troubling ethical concerns, particularly in its approach to animal testing.
Receiving FDA clearance for in-human clinical trials in May 2023 was undoubtedly a significant achievement, promising new avenues of hope for individuals grappling with paralysis and other neurological conditions. However, this milestone was overshadowed by allegations of ethical breaches in Neuralink's treatment of animals during testing, leading to a federal investigation and internal discord among employees.
Reports and investigations have revealed distressing accounts of rushed experiments, leading to the needless suffering and deaths of test subjects. Surgical errors, often involving the improper application of BioGlue, have been cited as contributing factors to these unfortunate outcomes. Such incidents not only compromise the welfare of the animals involved but also cast doubts on the integrity and reliability of the data derived from these experiments.
Questions have arisen regarding the ethical use of BioGlue in these procedures, raising concerns about its application and the company's adherence to stringent research protocols. While Neuralink maintains its commitment to ethical research practices, critics argue that the pursuit of scientific progress may sometimes take precedence over ethical considerations, particularly in the realm of animal testing.
As Neuralink continues to push the boundaries of BCI technology, it must confront these ethical dilemmas head-on. Addressing concerns surrounding animal testing practices and the ethical use of Bioglue is paramount to safeguarding research integrity and ensuring responsible progress in the field of neurotechnology. By prioritizing ethical principles alongside scientific innovation, Neuralink can uphold its commitment to advancing human well-being while fostering trust and accountability within the scientific community and beyond.
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