Elon Musk's Neuralink Implants Brain Chip in Human: Controversy and Contention Surrounding Human Trials

In a bold move, Elon Musk's Neuralink, known for its brain chip innovations, has reportedly conducted a human implantation, stirring a mix of fascination and trepidation. Musk, the outspoken billionaire, took to his platform, X-formerly-Twitter, to announce that the undisclosed human subject was "recovering well" and initial results indicated "promising neuron spike detection."

However, the controversy swirling around Neuralink involves its treatment of experimental subjects, primarily the fate of monkeys used in prior trials. While Musk's announcement sounds optimistic, it comes on the heels of disturbing reports about the macabre outcomes for some of the company's primate test subjects.

The Monkey Trials: A Dark Past

Neuralink's journey into human trials faced criticism after Wired's September report highlighted distressing conditions suffered by rhesus macaques. Reports included brain swelling, partial paralysis, and self-harming behavior, leading to the euthanasia of numerous monkeys. Shockingly, in one incident, a chip broke off during a macaque's brain implantation, resulting in infection and eventual euthanasia.

Human Trials Approval Amid Controversy

Neuralink's path to human trials began with FDA approval last May, with subsequent announcements about recruiting subjects. However, amid these revelations, the grim details of primate experiments raised ethical concerns. Critics argue that information about the distressing outcomes of these trials was not adequately shared with Neuralink's investors, sparking calls for scrutiny.

SEC Pressure and Federal Investigations

As allegations of potential investor misguidance surfaced, pressure mounted on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate. While it remains unclear whether the SEC will launch a probe, the agency has been urged to examine whether Neuralink and Musk concealed the macabre macaque situation from investors.

The us Department of Agriculture previously investigated Neuralink's compliance with the Animal Welfare Act at the end of 2022. However, as of July 2023, the agency seemingly closed the probe, citing no evidence of animal research rule violations, except for a 2019 incident self-reported by Neuralink.

The Ethical Quandary

In the realm of experimental treatments, animal trials often come with unfortunate consequences. Neuralink's challenge lies in allegations of insufficient disclosure, questioning whether investors were fully informed before contributing funds to the company.

While the human trials may mark a significant step for Neuralink, the ethical shadows cast by the macaque trials raise pertinent questions about transparency, accountability, and the responsible progression of groundbreaking technologies.<