Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Last week, approximately 50 demonstrators assembled and picketed outside of McLean Hospital in objection of the hospitals planned involvement in a study aimed to measure the side effects of radiation. The subjects of the experiment are squirrel monkeys.

The protesters waved signs, "Don't Nuke the Monkeys" underneath similar billboards sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

The animals will be given a single exposure of low levels of space radiation. It is believed that the experiments are aimed to help researchers identify and forecast the potential risks for astronauts associated with extended space missions. Scientist will observe a total of 30 squirrel monkeys over four years. NASA is spending $1.75M to sponsor the study.

"I know the value of research and this project is ridiculous," said Dr. Marge Peppercorn, a vehement opponent of the study, retired pediatrician and a member of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. "Before doing any experiment on living, sentient creatures, you have to be sure the information you get will be essential and will be achieved."

Critics believe the experiment will cause cancer in the miniature primates and produce little pertinent information to the effects of radiation on humans in space. A hospital spokesperson assures that monkeys will be humanely cared for, given full medical attention and live in a social environment, as mandated by both state and government law.

McLean has not received any funding for the experiment yet.

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