Bill Maher is urging NASA to leave monkeys out of the space race.

The space agency recently approved a proposal to conduct radiation studies on live squirrel monkeys in an attempt to understand the effects of interplanetary travel. The space agency has not used monkeys for radiobiology research in decades.

“I’m writing to ask you to rethink NASA’s recently announced plan to spend $1.75 million on an experiment that will blast live squirrel monkeys with dangerous levels of radiation.” writes Mr. Maher in a letter dated Jan. 13 to NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. “It’s been decades since NASA last funded a study that involved irradiating nonhuman primates. Don’t turn back the clock — cancel this cruel exercise in futility.”

In the planned experiment, researcher Jack Bergman will irradiate squirrel monkeys in an attempt to understand what might happen to humans on long-term space flights, such as a trip to Mars. Bergman has used squirrel monkeys for 15 years in addiction experiments that have involved applying electric shocks, withholding food, and completely immobilizing the animals in restraint chairs for extended periods. Ongoing studies, including those funded by NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy, already use non-animal methods to determine the effects of low-dose radiation on human tissues.

comments powered by Disqus

Latest news

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 Raises Over £15 Million

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 Raises Over £15 Million Jun 23, 2025

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025, broadcast live and exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player last week from Old Trafford, Manchester, has raised £15,280,163 for UNICEF's vital work helping children grow up safe, healthy and able to play. More
More news