“Penicillin is toxic in guinea pigs but not to humans” ““Had they chosen to test penicillin on hamsters or guinea pigs, it is likely that it would have been discarded” Taken on face value the statements above are true – penicillin is toxic to guinea pigs (1). The trouble comes when this is used as … Continue reading Myth Busting: “Penicillin is toxic in guinea pigs but not to humans”
Month: February 2014
Fact into Fiction – Why Context Matters with Animal Images
A curious thing happened recently. The following picture of “animal testing” surfaced on Twitter and was retweeted over five thousand times (and counting) over the course of one week. It runs with a message “Retweet if you say NO to animal testing. #Animalrights”. The message has been recurring on Twitter for some time, though its … Continue reading Fact into Fiction – Why Context Matters with Animal Images
Background Briefing on Animal Research
Having a full understanding of all the issues surrounding animal research can be a challenge for even science-specialist journalists, let alone general journalists, editors and broadcasters who have to handle many unrelated issues each and every day. Speaking of Research have produced a two-page summary of the key information which general news producers, journalists, presenters … Continue reading Background Briefing on Animal Research
Zerhouni Sets the Record Straight on Animal Research
On June 4th 2013, Elias Zerhouni, a former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) made some comments at a Scientific Management and Review Board (SMRB) meeting that were reported in NIH Record as follows: “We have moved away from studying human disease in humans,” he lamented. “We all drank the Kool-Aid on that … Continue reading Zerhouni Sets the Record Straight on Animal Research
USDA Statistics for Animals Used in Research in 2012
In 2011 the USDA stopped publishing its animal research statistics on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website (with the last full stats being 2010). We have recently received the 2012 statistics for animals used in research under the Animal Welfare Act. Overall the number of animals used in research fell by 16% … Continue reading USDA Statistics for Animals Used in Research in 2012
Statement on postponement of Pro-Test for Science rally
Dear colleagues, students, friends and supporters, We want to thank each and every person that put aside their valuable personal time when they committed to attending this weekend’s Pro-Test rally in Westwood. Your agreement to participate is a testament to your commitment to scientific research and to the scientists who have been targeted at UCLA. … Continue reading Statement on postponement of Pro-Test for Science rally
Speaking of Research Across Social Media
Speaking of Research has added a few more ways of interacting with our supporters. We have long been on Facebook and Twitter, where we regularly post general science stories as well as link to our new items. We also have a YouTube account where we post the occasional video (usually for use in posts on … Continue reading Speaking of Research Across Social Media
An open letter to those who support violence in the name of animal rights
The following is an open letter from a victim of animal rights extremism. It was sent to a Los Angeles Times journalist in an effort to draw his attention to the problem. The letter was never published. Her family, not connected to animal research, was the mistaken target of the Animal Liberation Front attack on a UCLA … Continue reading An open letter to those who support violence in the name of animal rights
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