NASA is funding space radiation studies that will be done on live squirrel monkeys. The plan — which will cost $1.75 million — was proposed by Jack Bergman, PhD of McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA. The monkeys will be exposed to radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory and then be shipped to McLean Hospital where they will be made to perform tasks to test for cognitive impairment. These highly intelligent and social primates will be housed alone in steel cages for at least four years and be subjected to daily restraint in primate chairs.So far, NASA has ignored all calls to halt the experiments, despite growing opposition to these cruel and scientifically flawed studies.Genetic, physiological, and anatomical differences between humans and monkeys dramatically limit the conclusions that can be drawn from the planned studies. Further, studies to test the effects of radiation on monkeys have been going on for decades even though ongoing studies, including those funded by NASA, already use non-animal methods to determine the effects of low-dose radiation on human tissues.

TAKE ACTION
Please contact NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr., and ask him to put a stop to these cruel and unnecessary experiments. Administrator Bolden needs to hear from you.

Please call (202) 358-0000 or e-mail public-inquiries@hq.nasa.gov and let him politely know that:

1.You support the mission of NASA.
2.Space radiation studies involving the use of live animals are cruel and pointless.
3.Genetic and physiological differences between humans and monkeys make this research ineffectual.
4.Monkeys are sentient beings who experience pain and suffering.
5.The experiments are in direct violation of the NASA Principles for the Ethical Care and Use of Animals.
6.There are viable non-animal research methods that can, are, and should be used.

TAKE ACTION
Massachusetts area residents:
Join NEAVS, PCRM and other like-minded citizens at a peaceful protest at McLean Hospital:

Directions and map: http://www.mclean.harvard.edu/about/directions

Location for protesters: Mill St. across from McLean’s main entrance.

Parking: There are a few parking spaces at a nearby public park. Otherwise, parking is available on area side streets.
Letters of support from seven U.S. primate sanctuaries — including offers to retire all 30 squirrel monkeys assigned to these experiments — will be presented to Dr. Rauch, McLean Hospital President and Psychiatrist-in-Chief.