The journal Nature, and the NYT today displayed a cold-hard celebration of vivisection at University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. In what was purported to be a scientific breakthrough for advancements in brain-machine interface technology, two macaque monkeys – who were shot at a very specific angles to hide the hideous science-fiction-like wires connecting their brains to computers (notice the big metal tube conveniently covering the monkey’s head in the NYT video, and the black box in the Youtube Video below) – were forced to fetch food with a robotic arm using their brain implants.
The resounding result of this study should be a call to end horrific experiments on animals. If these monkeys are intelligent enough to master the complexity of controlling robotics, and intelligent enough to be considered suitable models for humans – then how can we justify imprisoning them and conducting disgusting and torturous experiments that we wouldn’t conduct on dissenting humans? In short, if their brains are so similar to ours, why is it OK to do this?
There are many paralyzed and/or limbless humans who would gladly participate voluntarily with the potential of regaining lost motor skills.
“…the new report “is important because it’s the most comprehensive study showing how an animal interacts with complex objects, using only brain activity.” – NYT
Over 100 million animals are used in experiments worldwide every year.Vivisection effectively reduces sentient beings to the status of disposable tools, to be used and discarded for the benefit of others. In the words of Mark Twain:
“I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn’t…The pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.“
Had the Monkey’s been given a key to unlock themselves and return to their friends and family in a natural habitat, I’m sure the grapes and marshmallows would not be missed. For more info on vivisection and alternatives, please visit NAVS.
Please write to the New York Times and express your opinion, and ask why the ethics of such experiments were not even raised.
May 29, 2008 at 12:12 am |
it’s disgusting that this society and its media will laud scientific “progress” that clearly abuses animals for perceived human benefit yet will very rarely, if at all, acknowledge the largest cases of animal abuse and habitat destruction. Will there ever be a day when we rejoice and publicize animal rescue, achievements in environmental conservation and rehabilitation?
Sad.
May 31, 2008 at 6:54 am |
I wonder if this is an example of similar research that is using Human subjects only?
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/05/dean-kamens-rob.html
The videos seem to suggest that, but I haven’t looked into it yet.
June 17, 2008 at 1:18 am |
[...] for the sake of fake science is sickening, and should rile up even an animal neutral person. See these sick [...]
July 30, 2008 at 2:18 am |
I was disappointed that New York Times approved of vivesection on animals. the pain and suffering these animals went through to have computer machines attached to their brains. they also will eat marshmellows until they throw up, and then eat more. So much for science…..
March 14, 2009 at 12:52 pm |
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