Congratulations to the USDA/APHIS for getting ahead of the curve for a second time and making the US the first country to publish its 2015 animal research statistics. Overall, the number of animals (covered by the Animal Welfare Act) used in research fell 8% from 834,453 (2014) to 767,622 (2015). These statistics do not include … Continue reading USDA publishes 2015 Animal Research Statistics
Tag: animal testing
Novo Nordisk demonstrate what good openness looks like
Openness has been a buzz word in science policy over the past five years, particularly for animal research. Today, Speaking of Research reached 250 animal research statements on our list of public statements, up from 200 in February (is your institution included?). Much of our focus has been on universities, particularly in the UK and US. In the … Continue reading Novo Nordisk demonstrate what good openness looks like
We mightn’t like it, but there are ethical reasons to use animals in medical research
Trichur Vidyasagar, University of Melbourne The media regularly report impressive medical advances. However, in most cases, there is a reluctance by scientists, the universities, or research institutions they work for, and the media to mention animals used in that research, let alone non-human primates. Such omission misleads the public and works against long-term sustainability of … Continue reading We mightn’t like it, but there are ethical reasons to use animals in medical research
When are rats, mice, birds and fish protected by US federal laws?
There is sometimes confusion about how US law protects rats, mice and non-mammalian vertebrates such as birds and fish. Much of this confusion is rooted in the fact that the US Animal Welfare Act (AWA) explicitly excludes purpose-bred rodents (rats of the genus Rattus rattus, mice of the genus Mus mus), as well as birds … Continue reading When are rats, mice, birds and fish protected by US federal laws?
Two Years On: The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research
In May 2014, Understanding Animal Research brought seventy-two organizations together to sign the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, committing signatories to improving their communication surrounding the animal research they (or their members) conduct or fund. Signatories undertaken to fulfill the Concordat’s four commitments: We will be clear about when, how and … Continue reading Two Years On: The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research
How zebrafish help advance cancer research
Do sharks get cancer? Despite the widely touted myth that sharks do not develop cancer, fish of all species do occasionally develop spontaneous tumours. This is of course also true for the most common of laboratory fish, the zebrafish. In this article, I will give you a brief overview of how the unique properties of … Continue reading How zebrafish help advance cancer research
Over 200 institutions publish online animal research position statements
It's a good start but there's plenty more still to be done, and it is being done. Yesterday the University of Edinburgh launched their excellent new animal research resource http://www.ed.ac.uk/research/animal-research, too late to be included on our list this time around, but definitely worthy of full marks! Over 200 research institutions now have clear policy … Continue reading Over 200 institutions publish online animal research position statements
HPV vaccines and cervical cancer – a success in animals is a success for humans
A recent article in the journal Pediatrics reported that vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) resulted in a 64% reduction in infections in girls aged 14-19 (1). The vaccine, Gardasil, came onto market in June of 2006 and protects again four different HPV types: the two most prevalent high-risk viruses, HPV16 and HPV18, and the … Continue reading HPV vaccines and cervical cancer – a success in animals is a success for humans
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