Brain-Computer Interface: exciting but at the expense of primates

[gwand]

This technology has amazing potential for people who suffer from paralysis or the inability to speak. But non human primates are the Guinea pigs. No so exciting.

https://phys.org/news/2026-04-monkeys-virtual-forest-thought-brain.html

 

[anewbie]

If only our cats coud talk to us - the things they would say. Probably feed me feed me feed me; hey here is a mouse for you to eat; feed me feed me; nap time; ....

 

[gimme30]

I don't think I'd want my cat talking to me. She'd just lie about wanting a kiss to get close enough to rip my face off.

These sorts of studies are fascinating but I agree using animals is wrong. We have plenty of permanently incarcerated criminals to use instead, no point in our tax dollars providing 3 squares and a cot until they die of old age when we could load 'em up with electrodes or chemicals and let the games begin!

 

[GaryE]

The ethics of non consenting fellow animals being used in these things are a concern. It can be useful technology, especially for paralyzed people where it could change lives, but there could be human volunteers for such things. I've known people who donated kidneys and such - the best of humans are altruistic.