R3 Bio pitched “brainless clones” to serve the role of backup human bodies (technologyreview.com)

MIT Technology Review reports that the stealth startup R3 Bio, which says it is building “monkey organ sacks” to reduce animal testing, was also pitched a futuristic plan for so-called “brainless clones” as backup human bodies and possibly for future body transplants. The article describes how founder John Schloendorn outlined scenarios involving creating living bodies with minimal brain tissue, raising ethical concerns and questions about safety and feasibility. R3 denies the company intends human cloning or surrogate-carried brainless clones, though MIT says it found materials mapping “body replacement cloning” and notes connections to longevity researchers and investors.