Internet dubs Elon Musk 'diabolical and cruel' after report claims his Neuralink lab killed 1500 animals
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Elon Musk's Neuralink, a neurotechnology company, has reportedly achieved a significant milestone by successfully implanting an AI-powered computer chip into a human brain.
This pioneering accomplishment, however, is marred by a disturbing report from the Daily Mail.
The report accuses the lab of being a place of "extreme suffering" for test monkeys and alleges the death of no less than 1,500 animals.
Shocking details emerge amid Neuralink's AI breakthrough
Elon Musk's Neuralink has reportedly conducted severe animal testing, including drilling holes into monkeys' heads and using "Bioglue" to patch them up, as revealed by Daily Mail.
The company, in partnership with the University of Davis, California, reportedly performed multiple operations on monkeys from 2017 to 2020, often leading to their euthanasia.
The implants attached to their brains often protruded outside, causing discomfort.
Photos from the UC Davis lab show cramped conditions with small metal cages stacked atop one another.
Reports indicate that monkeys suffered from amputations, repeated vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to their eventual death.
In total, Neuralink's pursuit of a mind-controlling chip has allegedly resulted in the death of at least 1,500 animals, including sheep and pigs.
These documents, obtained by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, highlight the "extreme suffering" endured by the monkeys and a "systematic disregard" for their lives.
What did PCRM say about Neuralink's alleged progress?
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has urged the public to approach Musk's claims with skepticism.
The founder of Tesla and SpaceX recently boasted, "Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal."
He also mentioned last month that Neuralink was considering quadriplegics under 40 years old for human trials.
These trials would involve a surgical procedure where part of their skull would be removed before a robot implants 64 electrode-lined threads into the brain.
In a statement to Daily Mail, PCRM pointed out that Musk has a history of providing misleading information about "Neuralink's supposed developments."
The statement reads, "Neuralink has a well-documented history of conducting unnecessary, sloppy experiments in monkeys, pigs, sheep, and other animals that raise serious concerns about the safety of its device."
"As such, the public should continue to be skeptical of the safety and functionality of any device produced by Neuralink," it added.
The statement added that "Musk's true intentions for Neuralink are disturbingly clear."
Neuralink's 'sloppy experiments' on animals
Neuralink, in partnership with UC Davis from 2017 to 2020, reportedly conducted animal testing in small 2.5ft cages.
Despite Elon Musk's vision of a "monkey Taj Mahal", photos reveal a stark reality of cramped conditions. The testing led to the death of approximately 1,500 animals, including over 280 sheep, pigs, and monkeys.
Documents reveal that UC Davis was paid over $1 million for the testing, which included invasive surgeries and behavioral training.
The animals, prepared for surgery with drugs and anesthetics, had implants that may not have fit perfectly. The testing procedures, which included mapping neural activity to the monkeys' actions, have raised serious ethical concerns.
The contracts between Neuralink and UC Davis reportedly reveal that the university received $796,006 for the initial testing phase from July 2017 to July 2018.
One particularly stark invoice detailed the costs involved, including $11,870.40 for the acquisition of three animals and $14,349.12 for the surgical procedures, per Daily Mail.
Internet dubs Elon Musk 'diabolical and cruel'
Following the shocking revelation, internet users have criticized the tech mogul, branding him as "cruel."
A Facebook user commented, "Makes me sick playing predator on existence. That feeling of playing god one day will leave him very empty."
Another person stated, "Absolutely HORRIFIC."
"Shame on you Elon Musk," blasted one person.
"Well the look on his face tells the story doesn’t it! I" remarked a user.
"Dispicable behaviour!" slammed another.
One angry person penned, "Shut down Musk’s neuralink madness! He’s diabolical and cruel!"
"He's one horrid selfish little man!... Money Talks with this one! Absoloute fool of a man!" mentioned another.
One person noted, "Disgusting All for what just have tech that isn't needed."
"Sickening! Monstrous! Diabolical!" someone else fumed.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
