13 Science Experiments That Went Too Far
These shocking science experiments went too far and left lasting consequences on people, animals, and society.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some science experiments pushed limits in ways that caused harm and controversy. People were hurt, animals suffered, and trust in science was shaken. These experiments went too far and are now remembered as warnings about what happens when curiosity ignores ethics.
1. The Stanford Prison Experiment
Eric. E. Castro on Wikimedia Commons
In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo’s prison simulation turned into chaos. College students assigned as guards became abusive, while those playing prisoners suffered stress and humiliation. The study was shut down early and is remembered as a warning about unchecked authority.
2. The Milgram Obedience Study
Fred the Oyster on Wikimedia Commons
Stanley Milgram tested how far people would go in obeying authority. Volunteers believed they were shocking strangers with painful electric jolts whenever they answered incorrectly. The disturbing results showed that many were willing to cause harm just because they were told to.
3. The Monster Study on Orphans
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia Commons
In 1939, researchers used orphans to test speech therapy techniques. Some children were criticized and ridiculed for stuttering, which left them emotionally scarred. The cruelty of the experiment earned it the name “Monster Study.”
4. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study
National Archives Atlanta, GA (U.S. government) on Wikimedia Commons
Hundreds of Black men with syphilis were denied treatment so doctors could observe the disease. Even after penicillin was discovered as a cure, participants were deliberately left untreated. This scandal stands as one of the most infamous examples of medical racism.
5. Unit 731 in Japan
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
During World War II, Japan’s Unit 731 carried out horrific human experiments. Victims were exposed to biological weapons, forced infections, and even live dissections. The program left behind a legacy of cruelty and secrecy.
6. MK-Ultra Mind Control Tests
Dr. Sidney Gottlieb’s approval of an w:en:MKULTRA subproject on LSD. on Wikimedia Commons
The CIA experimented with LSD, hypnosis, and other methods to test mind control. Many participants were drugged without consent, including soldiers and civilians. The revelations caused outrage once the truth was exposed.
7. The Harlow Monkey Experiments
Muhammad Mahdi Karim on Wikimedia Commons
Harry Harlow separated baby monkeys from their mothers to study attachment. The monkeys clung to cloth substitutes but showed signs of deep psychological distress. His work raised debates about animal cruelty in research.
8. The Little Albert Experiment
Vibha C Kashyap on Wikimedia Commons
In 1920, a baby known as “Albert” was conditioned to fear animals. Researchers paired furry objects with loud noises, causing the child to develop phobias. The study became one of psychology’s most criticized experiments.
9. Operation Crossroads Nuclear Tests
Original: United States Department of Defense (either the U.S. Army or the U.S. Navy) Derivative work: Victorrocha (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
In 1946, nuclear bombs were detonated at Bikini Atoll to study their impact. Residents were displaced, and countless animals were exposed to radiation. The aftermath caused lasting environmental and human harm.
10. Project Sunshine on Human Remains
Serena Koi on Pexels
Scientists secretly gathered body parts to study nuclear fallout in the 1950s. Families were never told that their loved ones’ remains had been used. The secrecy revealed shocking violations of consent.
11. The Aversion Therapy Trials
Eky Rima Nurya Ganda on Wikimedia Commons
Aversion therapy was once used to try to “cure” homosexuality. Patients endured painful shocks or drugs that made them ill when exposed to certain triggers. The practice left many with lifelong trauma.
12. Human Radiation Experiments
Ben Smegelsky on Wikimedia Commons
During the Cold War, unsuspecting patients were exposed to harmful levels of radiation. Many suffered health issues, and their families never knew the real reason. The experiments only came to light decades later.
13. The Guatemalan STD Experiments
National Archives and Records Administration on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1940s, prisoners and patients in Guatemala were deliberately infected with STDs. They were never told the truth or offered treatment. The scandal drew global outrage once it was uncovered.