Elon Musk's Neuralink Under Investigation For Animal Deaths From Rushed Testing

Elon Musk's Neuralink, the medical device company that is developing a brain implant to help paralysed people walk again and to cure other neurological problems is now facing federal investigations in the US.

Internal staff complaints point to potential animal-welfare violations. Many staff members claim that animal testing at Neuralink is being rushed, causing suffering and deaths, Reuters reported.

Reuters

Probe into Neuralink

The probe was recently opened by the US Department of Agriculture's Inspector General at the request of a federal prosecutor. According to one of the sources, the probe focuses on violations of the Animal Welfare Act that governs how researchers treat and test on animals.

Reuters

Very recently, Elon Musk took to Twitter with claims of how happy the animals were at Neuralink - responding to a video that showed a monkey interacting "telepathically" with a screen.

A Neuralink-trained monkey doing Telepathic Typing, using just his mind ? @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/PUkFA9qpUi

¡ª DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) December 1, 2022

Also read: Neuralink Shows Off Monkey Typing Telepathically Using Virtual Keyboard

Neuralink documents and interviews with 20 current and former employees points to a problem at the company. Even though Neuralink has passed all inspections, the company has killed about 1,500 animals - including 280 sheep, pigs, and monkeys - after beginning experiments in 2018.

Reuters

The company does not keep precise records of the number of animals that are tested on and killed, and the company has also conducted research with mice and rats.

While it's not uncommon for companies to experiment on animals and lose many in the process, Neuralink employees say that lives could be saved if Musk didn't demand immediate results.

Also read: Neuralink Co-Founder's New Rival Company Requires No Hole-Drilling In Skulls

Reuters reported that Neuralink's rushed schedule can pressurise employees to undertake risks, making life difficult for the animals.

It's no surprise how Musk operates - after his public display of leadership as Twitter's new owner. Abrasive and authoritative, Musk has told Neuralink employees repeatedly that they ought to increase the pace - putting more animals at risk.

What do you think about animal testing to help humans in the long-run? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

Levy, R., & Levy, R. (2022, December 6). Exclusive: Musk¡¯s Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/