As a Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at UCLA, my students, colleagues around the University and I are engaged in an endeavor to improve the quality of life of individuals who suffer from major mental disorders. As committed as we are to making tangible progress towards improving the prognosis and welfare of people suffering from psychoses or addictions, we also concern ourselves with the quality of life of the animals who are the subjects of research, both because we care, and because the quality of our science requires it. To date, a variety of postings on the Speaking of Research website have addressed methods (including the “3 Rs”) for improving the welfare of animals involved in research; here, I outline the scientific necessity for doing so wherever possible.
In part, our research focuses on discovering the biological determinants of naturally-occurring differences in brain function and behavior. In humans, these individual differences, whether environmentally or genetically determined, can often index vulnerability for mental disorders. For example, young people who are more impulsive are more likely to drink, smoke, take illicit drugs and engage in high-risk sexual behavior – as well as to develop complications stemming from those behaviors. We find that, like people, some monkeys will impulsively engage themselves in new and risky situations, while others approach more cautiously and try to keep a low profile. An overlapping set of genes influence these traits in monkeys and in man. Therefore, the animal model represents a very powerful tool to locate unknown genes that influence human traits, and more importantly, to understand (at the biochemical, genomic and cognitive levels) how those genes act to influence temperament and behavior. Without insights about the basic biological determinants of these traits – something not discoverable in humans at the present time – prevention or treatment strategies of any type are difficult or impossible to create.
With these goals in mind, our research program very much depends upon the ability of our animals to exhibit their natural behavioral repertoire, whilst still being maintained under controlled conditions that allow us to isolate external influences and to perform our studies. Consequently, we maintain our animals in social groups, in open air arenas with access to sunlight, with a wide array of environmental stimuli that promote normal foraging and social behaviors. Many of our social groups include families, and most monkeys are raised by their mothers until puberty. Early separation would produce an “experimental” effect on behavior that would alter the “natural” expression of their traits. In the case of our studies, the conditions needed for enhancing animal welfare and the conditions needed for scientific discovery are the same, and we – like many other scientists – are dedicated to ensuring that we never impede the welfare of our animals when it is unnecessary or unjustified. Poor animal welfare often implies poor science; we avoid both with unrelenting diligence.
J. David Jentsch, Ph.D.
Excellent posting David! You bring to light a concept that is often difficult to get across to those not involved in animal research; that animal welfare is critical to the end results. Poor animal care leads to poor results. While there will always be a minority of exceptions, I have found that those responsible for animal care take their job very seriously and truly care about the welfare of the animals in their care.
Unfortunately due to the PR machine of the animal rights organizations many only see images of abuse, many that are decades old, of poor conditions. These are not at all the norm.
How can you justify this pseudo science ? IF YOU WEREHONEST you would simply be truthful and state that you do this violent crap to animals for money and for recognition..nothing else. you scream about violence, yet you and those like you are the worst perpetrators against sentient beings. and the comment that they are NON HUMAN primates…>>> makes it all ok does it. you are nothing bu a nasty little vivisector. and your eyebrows make u look like a fukk up !!!
Please speak to others with respect.
Researchers are rarely recognised for their methods but for their results – animal research brings results and so the researchers get recognition.
I doubt animal researchers are paid more than any other type of researcher.
Research is crucial for the future of medicines that people like yourself clearly take for granted.
As Dave said, that the Animal Rights Organizations & their PR machines have “distorted” how researchers abuse animals?
I’m sorry, but ANY type of a caged or confined animal is abuse! Those innocent animals are also exploited and not living a life with integrity, all in the name of your “so called” research.
So, while you see this “research” as “humane” treatment – And all this “experimenting” as a good thing – I doubt VERY much that you, or any other of your research colleagues, would trade places with ANY of these innocent victims of your justifications.
We know that the medical & the Pharmaceutical Companies are a billion dollar industry that “hooks” people into taking drugs for the rest of their lives, for “their” benefit.
However, that is not the truth!
The truth is that if people ate better, reduced their stress levels, got more rest, exercised and balanced their lives, 95% of them wouldn’t need all your wonderful & profitable medications.
I, or people like myself, do NOT take the future of the pharmaceutical companies for granted, as you stated.
Instead, we are absolutely APPALLED & SICKENED with the IRRESPONSIBILITY and MANIPULATION within the medical, pharmaceutical and research industry.
Making everyone feel like if they don’t take your drugs, medication or “Godlike” advice, that they will stay sick “or even DIE”!!
THAT IS NOT ONLY MISLEADING, BUT A DEADLY LIE!
NAME ONE TYPE OF VIVISECTION THAT HAS GOTTEN 100% SUCCESS! JUST ONE!
You can’t! Because there hasn’t been one!
It doesn’t work!
We are made differently!!
You cannot justify it!
BUT, You and your Medical Industry can make BILLIONS OF DOLLARS each year, in churning out your poisonous propaganda.
You live a life of ignorance and justification in the name of Medical progress!?!?!
Consequently we have a population of very sick and fearful people relying on the “next best medical breakthrough”, so no one has to take responsibility for their diabetes, heart disease or obesity!!
No No, let’s get an animal and try a bunch of diet pills on it, so we can give you a little pill (and take the credit for your success) to make you thinner…..
Oh, but wait! Because you are taking that pill, you have a stomach ache….”OH! We can fix that with another little pill” “Here! Take this one……”OH”, you get a headache when you take that pill…..we have another one for you…..and on and on and on and on….
You want us to speak to you with respect!?!
Respect is EARNED – Not bought – and definitely does not come in the name of ignorance, a.k.a. RESEARCH!!!
You keep living a lie, in the name of research, killing innocent beings while caring for them??? Hello!! How hypocritical is that statement David!
That’s like when the Hitler regime made their “victims” better, nurturing them back to health, only so that they would have a healthy specimen to dissect for their “scientific research”!!
Let me ask you a question David – What sets you apart from that type of mentality?
Because a being isn’t human? Are you that superior over another living being??
That is what the Third Reich also thought….
Personally, I don’t see a difference….As African Americans & Women were also thought to be “below” man’s superior level….
So, what’s the difference to you David?
How do you justify your murders?
Signed Respectfully & Sorrowfully for those animals that are confined, petted (by you?) and then tortured, all in the name of money – which you call research!
People like this research why anna mello has such a hang up!
I’m sorry, but abuse is abuse!!! There are other non-animal scientific ways to continue your research. Monkeys are not humans, therefore your research can never be 100% accurate for the human body or mind. And no matter how much socialization these sentient beings are given, they are still NOT in their natural habitat. How can you people justify the abuses you are inflicting on these beautiful, feeling animals? The future of medicines should not be at the cost of animal abuse, in any form!!!
Use your own body and mind to play to be a doctor !!!
I could not have said it better, Jennifer……excellently put !!!!!!!!
there is, without a shadow of a doubt, enormous differences in anatomy and physiology of human and animal to make any gathered “data” insignificant and decidedly questionable. The torture you perpetrate on sentient creatures is nothing more than “grabbing at straws” in an attempt to “guess” at what will work and what will not work. During all this guess work, you are destroying millions of sentient creatures. Researchers are not “God” Researches have demonstrated they care not for one life they have tortured and taken. Your “guinea pigs” are put in cages, exposed repeatedly to toxic substances, tortured, denied the smallest of comforts, and then murdered. Your torture methods are hidden behind closed doors and are never transparent because you “know” you are questionable in your practices. The only reliable results you will receive from all your research is from human studies. Clinical trials on humans. Medications that have been trialed on sentients have proven fatal to humans and vice versa. Your research is nothing more than guess work at the expense of millions of sentients!
Actually the differences in anatomy and physiology are generally fairly small – which is part of how we’ve learned so much about the functions and mechanisms of the human body. The sheer amount of medical breakthroughs made possible by animal research is testament to the similarity of humans and other animals.
The concept of “torture” couldn’t be further from the truth – the conditions in labs are second to none – perhaps you should read a recent article from a British newspaper about how animals are treated (it is much the same in the US):
“How would you feel if you were an animal caged for scientific testing?”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6978955.ece
What are the smallest of comforts which guinea pigs forgo? Regular good? nope – they are fed regularly. Warmth? nope – they are kept in carefully maintained temperatures and humidities. Enrichment? nope – there is environmental enrichment within each cage.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are fairly rare, however they occur in drugs which have passed both animal and human tests – this is because humans are all different and react slightly differently, so in some rare cases this genetic difference is big enough to cause a side effect. Sometimes we even know these side effects are dangerous, but the risk of not taking the drug or treatment is worse (e.g. chemotherapy).
I would love to have an intelligent conversation regarding some of the comments made here. I would love to point out why I believe the comments are wrong and why I believe most are made by people that really have no clue what animal research is about. It’s clear that most comments have been made from the talking points of places like the HSUS, PETA and other fringe groups. I would love to have that conversation. However, I would have more success explaining it to my wall because at least with the wall there’s a chance it might respond with a meaningful comment.
It’s clear by the comments made that none of the people are actually interested in anything other than their erroneous point of view. I’ll just say if you don’t believe animal research has produced anything meaningful then if you need it, refuse treatment for cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, or a myriad of other treatments. Refuse MRI’s, CT scans, PET scans, or any other diagnostic testing. Refuse any prescriptions or over the counter medications. Also refuse to take any pets to the veterinarian because any treatments they offer are obviously tested on animals. It’s simple really, you should have no problems.
The interesting thing, that I find,when speaking with one of you “scientists”, is that you really think that YOU are the ONLY one that is speaking with intelligence!
A bit Pious, perhaps?
Another interesting thing is that while you, and your other colleagues, attack such Animal Activists as PETA, HSUS etc., THEY are the one’s that supply the masses with pictures and video tapes of what is really going on!
WHERE ARE YOUR PICTURES & VIDEO TAPES DAVE?
Not the ones, above, where you show how they live – in your words – in the lovely “caged” & “confined” outdoors — But, let us see what you do with them in your research labs —-
Why don’t you “researchers” open your doors to the masses? Let’s see what you do behind closed doors?
Also, you did not answer my question(s).
Name ONE “specifically” scientific success story using vivisection – NOT the successes in what you have done to treat a SYMPTOM –
But, an actual victory that has CURED the root cause of a disease!
And, Dave, would you “willingly” put YOURSELF in that cage? Be, forcefully, confined and then treated with experimentation?
Against your will?
Please answer the relevant questions Dave, that I have proposed, instead of giving us your unwanted “philosophies” and justifications.
That would be a breath of fresh air – Fresh air that your guinea pigs, monkeys and “test” animals, also long for —
Oh yes, and let’s “please” have an intelligent conversation Dave, but first show us some of YOUR pictures of your “so called” humane treatment of these docile and sensitive creatures!
And believe me, there are more intelligent and compassionate people, in this world, besides your “research colleagues” and who you hold in your mind of who you think you are!
Justification & Deception are the first words that came into my mind upon reading your vague response!
Thank You Dave,
Jennifer James
By the way, I DID refuse chemo – surgery – regarding two fatal cancer related diseases.
One, being an ovarian tumor the size of a small cantaloupe.
Two, being a large cyst on the thyroid.
I treated them, holistically, using macrobiotics, whole foods, teas, reducing my stress levels by walking, massage and NOT taking any recommended medications (that only treat the symptoms) and within one year BOTH were completely gone –
Oh yes, I did use a Doctor to record these results by having two ultra sounds done.
His comment was “How about that?”
My response was – “Amazing that my body could heal itself, not using medication/chemo/surgery and also amazing that You couldn’t make one dime from me doing so!!
WESTERN MEDICINE ONLY TREATS THE SYMPTOMS!!
You are MISLEADING people by telling them anything different!!
In the meantime, killing and mutilating innocent animals – All for the researchers glory! You are in deception Dave!
Study alternative medicine Dave! You can save your own life, and others, by doing so!
So why is it that there are no peer reviewed medical journal articles showing how massages, tea and walking can cure cancer?
What do you mean Western medicine only treats the symptoms?!! What do you think a vaccine is!! Something that prevents a disease. Antibiotics don’t treat symptoms of an infection – they kill the infection.
What did you do before that caused the cancer?
Hi Jesse,
Good question!
I believe the tumor (and bleeding ulcer) were caused by five years of traumatic events, all happening within my family.
The divorce of my parents, death of a sibling, death of my Grandparents & favorite family pet, along with having to move and change schools – all while I was a teenager!
In order to survive, I kept everything to myself and stayed as strong as possible – However, after a few years of doing this, it took it’s toll –Hence, all this trauma had to come out somewhere – I mean, that is what most “dis”ease is –
After the diagnosis, I thought: “Well, if this has somehow been created, then it can be “un” created ;) That was the start of my journey and literally turned my life around and was an incredible realization and empowerment!
Thanks for asking!
Jennifer.
You do realize that Dave Jentsch and I are two separate people right?
Yes, David, I was responding to your last response.
Your comments are very interesting David, as, I believe you are still not understanding what I am saying.
OK, So, antibiotics kill the infection. So, what caused the infection? The infection is the “symptom” and/or the results of something that actually caused the infection. That is what I mean!
What I am saying is that, in most cases, cancer doesn’t just show up one day – or an infection just occurs – But, “something” happened to cause the infection/cancer/tumor, right? Even if some might think it is genetics – in reality, it is the “breakdown” of genetics, through lifestyle, environment and nutrition, carried on, generation by generation.
In my case, I had tumors and cysts throughout my abdomen. I wasn’t born with them, and no doctor could tell me “why” I had them.
So, instead of getting surgery to cut out the “symptom”, I started asking myself “What caused this to happen in my body”…. So, I studied, asked questions and eventually found an “alternative” way to handle the situation. Which, in my case, was macrobiotics and reducing the stress levels in my life.
Regarding the other question you asked – about “peer reviewed medical journal articles” — Actually, there IS an amazing amount of data out there to prove and authenticate my experience and thousands of others – However, the FDA does it’s best to KILL IT!
i.e. A Doctor, by the name of Dr. Anthony J Sattilaro, a Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia’s Methodist Hospital was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. It was riddled throughout his body. The exact same thing his Father died of – He was given six months to live by his colleagues, through all their testing and diagnosis.
However, through a fluke, he found out about the Macrobiotic therapy, when he picked up a hitch hiker and, like most Doctor’s, didn’t give it much merit.
But, when he was given the choice of chemo, medicine and certain death, he started investigating macrobiotics.
He thought he had nothing to lose and dove into this new finding – Within the first month, the pain of his cancer subsided and within six months his entire body was, not only in remission, but curing itself.
He wrote a book called: RECALLED BY LIFE and that is his documented “medical/holistic” testimony of how he was cured of TERMINAL CANCER!
After his book turned out to be a very big success, he found himself in an absolute dilemma – As, the Medical community was outraged to hear that a “diet” cured him of cancer!! Since they gather millions of dollars, each year, to continue their studies of a “cure” – as, most medical/researchers/scientists do!
It was very sad, but He eventually started to dilute his theory on Radio talk shows & TV interviews, saying that his medical ventures helped him as well – even though, in his book, there was NONE of that talk AT ALL!
In his book, (before all the FDA/Medical pressure was put on him) he stated that it was ONLY macrobiotics that cured him of his cancer!
However, What happened, was (and still is happening) that when Medical people go against the mega money medical industry & don’t use chemo/medicines and hospitals to get cured and tell the media about it, all of a sudden the FDA/Pharmaceutical Companies wield their mighty media arm and manipulate these people into changing their stories, as in this Doctor’s case!
Otherwise they will lose their “good standing” in the Medical industry, along with losing their license and job.
I studied under Mishio Kushi. Who is the founder of the Kushi Institute – http://www.kushiinstitue.org – He has numerous books, case studies and medical/homeopathic studies concerning accounts of thousands of people being cured of all kinds of diseases.
In one meeting, He diagnosed EXACTLY what I had – (after I already had found out from an ultra sound) – just by looking at my face, my eyes and the colors of my veins.
It was truly amazing and accurate.
There are thousands of documented and medical testimonies in regards to cancer being cured. Along with Heart disease, Tumors/cysts (as in my case) and several, if not hundreds, of patients with Aids being cured as well.
It isn’t magic or anything way out.
Essentially, our bodies were made to heal themselves and with the right amount of applicable education, whole foods, rest, walking/exercise and time – most people can AND DO heal themselves.
It isn’t something with which I want to argue, as I am a walking example of what one can do without medicine, surgery and/or chemo.
This was in 1989 and, since then, I have not had any tumors come back and/or cysts.
I think it is very important that Doctor’s/Researchers & Scientists get informed about homeopathic treatments. As it would further your research in a very positive way –
At least people would be able to choose an alternative treatment, rather than be stuck taking medications for the rest of their lives or have to resort to surgery/chemo or some other futile method – As, if you remove a tumor, that (once again) is a “symptom” or “result” of the real problem.
Check it out Dave, you might really find it very interesting. There are numerous validated studies out there – You might want to start with Dr. Sattilaro’s book – As, he is a top notch player in the Medical field and then go from there —-
Jenn
I wonder if Dr. Anthony J Sattilaro only spoke about his macrobiotic diet in the book because that is what his book deal (that I am sure he was paid for) stated? Just wondering.
Kay, I am not sure about what the book deal required – All I know is that Dr. Sattilaro was amazed, himself, that this macrobiotic treatment worked! He wanted to share it with the world, but recanted after he received MAJOR heat from his medical peers – as, for certain, they did NOT want this “holistic” approach to spread – as, it might prove them WRONG, along with the fact, that the billion dollar industry of pharmaceuticals could not profit from someone eating well – If anyone wants to look this up, cancer is a very profitable business! Especially for vivisection and “so called” research scientists — Hence, Dr. Satillaro’s book and “proof of this method of healthy living” quick burial!!
Jenn, we’re all happy that your cysts and tumours went away, but sometimes they just do that, cancer is nothing if not unpredictable.
There’s a saying in science that the plural of anecdote is not data, and it’s very true when applied to alternative medicine. There will always be anecdoted that support the treatment, afterall those for whom the treatment fails are less likely to tell their story, either because they want to put it behind them and try something else (in the” it was worth a try, never really expected it to work” sense), or because they are dead. The reason why clinical trials are considered so valuable by medical science is precisely because they allow doctors to discover which treatments really work, to sort out the signal from the noise.
For a really good analysis of the problems with alternative medicine when applied to cancer, as well as as excellent commentary on other issues in science based medicine, I’d recomment the Respectful Insolence blog http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/
Experimenting on dead animals is rather harsh. But performing vivisection on live animals? That is just evil. Maybe your helping people by doing this, but more animals are dying than humans being helped.
How about I take some of your friends and put them in a cage, then perform vivisection and drug experiments on them.
See how many people are helped by experimenting on a human – the results would be much better.