“Expert defense witnesses, including a smart gel online from Rutgers, testified that neuron cultures lack primitive evolved midbrain structures necessary to experience pain, fear, or a desire for self-preservation. Defense argued that the concept of a ‘right’ is intended to protect individuals from unwarranted suffering. Since smart gels are incapable of physical or mental distress of any sort, they have no rights to protect regardless of their level of self-awareness. This reasoning was eloquently summarized during the defense’s closing statement ‘Gels themselves don’t care whether they live
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