In this post we look at whether or not Jeremy Bentham, an eminent 18th and 19th century English philosopher, was opposed to animal experiments. Ahead of his time in many areas, Bentham advocated for freedom of expression, abolition of slavery, equal rights for women, and the separation of church and state. His Utilitarian philosophy has … Continue reading Was Jeremy Bentham an Antivivisectionist?
PETA make misleading claims about primate study at Karolinska Institute
A few weeks ago we wrote about the misinformation the Animal Justice Project was spreading about malaria research at the Karolinska Institute. Now PETA are at it. We thought we'd explain what was wrong with their claims.
Herding Hemmingway’s Cats: Book review
What can cats with six toes, flies with wimpy testis, fish with hips, and mice with socks tell us about how our genes work? Turns out, they – together with a cast of characters ranging from bacteria to our own species – can tell us quite a lot. In Herding Hemmingway’s Cats: Understanding how our … Continue reading Herding Hemmingway’s Cats: Book review
Reaching the Roots: Educating Veterinary Students
We have a guest post from Dr. Logan France, the 2015-16 Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) Hayre Fellow and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She discusses her upcoming outreach project – Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD). AMP is now opening their application for this year’s Michael D Hayre Fellowship in Public Outreach – a great opportunity … Continue reading Reaching the Roots: Educating Veterinary Students
Exciting cells and controlling heartbeats – could optogenetics create drug-free treatments?
A laser-controlled brain or a heart that beats in time to a disco light display sound like some of the more vivid imaginings of science fiction writers. But scientists are gathering together tricks that may allow us to do just that – and they could be used to create drug-free therapies. This is the growing … Continue reading Exciting cells and controlling heartbeats – could optogenetics create drug-free treatments?
How have animals helped scientists fight diseases?
Since Speaking of Research was founded in 2008, we have produced over 800 posts, including over 200 posts that report scientific breakthroughs made possible thanks to studies on animals. However, finding information about how specific animals have helped fight specific diseases has not always been easy. Well fear no more, from Amphibians to Zebrafish, Addiction … Continue reading How have animals helped scientists fight diseases?
Dr. Dettmer Goes to Washington, Part 2
Part 2 of a 4-part series in which a scientific researcher learns how science advocacy groups influence the legislative process. Read Part 1 about her experience at Hill Day here. On March 22, 2016, as part of my Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Early Career Policy Ambassador outreach activities, I met with Matt Bailey, Executive Vice … Continue reading Dr. Dettmer Goes to Washington, Part 2
Interview: How our outreach experiences have changed!
In this Q&A post, we visit with Jordana Lenon, B.S., B.A., the outreach specialist for the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center, both at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jordana reaches her 20th anniversary working at the Primate Center this year. Here, she reveals how different her job is … Continue reading Interview: How our outreach experiences have changed!
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