In a recent revelation that has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant trials on macaque monkeys have come under intense scrutiny.
The investigation has brought to light a distressing incident where a monkey's brain "ruptured" due to the implant, leading to its premature demise. This incident has sparked a heated debate on the readiness of this technology for human trials.
Wired, a reputable news outlet, reported that the trial conducted by Neuralink at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) at UC Davis resulted in severe cerebral swelling and subsequent brain rupture in a female macaque monkey. The seven-year-old primate suffered "severe neurological defects" and endured a distressing 24-hour period, during which it "seized and vomited, lost control of her right leg, and shook uncontrollably."
The monkey was eventually euthanized to end its suffering. A postmortem examination revealed that adhesive leakage from the implant had inflamed a part of the brain that secretes cerebrospinal fluid, causing such severe effects that the rear of the monkeys brain protruded from its skull.
Wired had previously reported on the appalling conditions of the monkeys used in Neuralink tests. Veterinary reports revealed the deteriorating condition of a female monkey, referred to as "Animal 15," in the months leading up to her death in March 2019.
Days after her implant surgery, she began to press her head against the floor, a symptom of pain or infection. Despite her discomfort, she would often lie at the foot of her cage and spend time holding hands with her roommate. Animal 15's condition worsened over months, with staff observing her shaking uncontrollably at the sight of lab workers. She was eventually euthanized, and a necropsy report indicated bleeding in her brain and Neuralink implants leaving parts of her cerebral cortex "focally tattered."
Federal regulators recognized the incident as a violation of the US Animal Welfare Act. However, the CNPRC attempted to mitigate legal implications by self-reporting the violation. An anonymous former Neuralink employee stated, "the implant itself did not cause death. We sacrificed her to end her suffering."
The ethical concerns surrounding these trials have been further amplified by the withholding of photographic evidence. Ethics groups, such as the Physicians Committee, have demanded the release of hundreds of photos documenting Neuralinks experiments. They argue that as a public institution, UC Davis is obligated to maintain transparency. However, the institution has resisted these calls, asserting that the public is not equipped to properly interpret the photographs and that the backlash could endanger scientists and discourage them from taking such photos in the future.
Despite the horrific outcomes for some of Neuralinks test monkeys, Elon Musk is proceeding with human trials of his brain chip technology, which recently won FDA approval. As reported by Breitbart News in September, the PRIME Study, an acronym for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface, is set to meticulously investigate three integral components of Neuralinks system: the N1 implant, a brain-computer device; the R1 robot, a surgical entity responsible for implanting the device; and the N1 User App, software that interprets brain signals and converts them into computer actions.
Neuralink is extending its recruitment to individuals over the age of 22, diagnosed with quadriplegia due to vertical spinal cord injury or ALS, and those who have a consistent and reliable caregiver.
The company asserts its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of all three parts of the system, striving to make substantial advancements in the field of neurotechnology.
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