Elon Musk’s implant company Neuralink is suspected of animal cruelty. Company staff are said to have complained about animal testing being carried out too hastily. US authorities have launched an investigation.
That research is being carried out by the US Department of Agriculture, reports Reuters news agency that spoke to insiders. The Animal Welfare Act, which is said to have been violated, ensures the proper treatment of animals in the United States, including in animal experiments.
Musk has ambitious plans for Neuralink. For example, last week he indicated that he is developing implants that are placed in the spinal cord. This allows people with paralysis to still be able to move. Eye implants are also being tested that improve vision.
Wireless implant
Before the chip technology is used in humans, the implants are tested on animals. Musk reported that he had already placed a wireless implant in a monkey last year. With that chip in his brain, the monkey could control a video game with his mind. Previous criticism of poor treatment of monkey trials pushed Neuralink aside.
The US Department of Agriculture, Musk spokesmen and Neuralink representatives declined to comment to Bloomberg.
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