There has been a lot of media coverage on the recent claims by Dr. Sergio Canavero that he has successfully transplanted the head of a monkey on to a donor body of another monkey. This story, originally posted by the New Scientist, has since gone viral with some touting miracle cures for paralysis, while others … Continue reading PR, ethics, and the science of head transplants
Tag: animal testing
Animal Testing. Is it really a polarised debate?
I was recently contacted by a student who had an assignment to report both sides of a contentious issue, and she'd chosen animal research. To her, there were two sides to the debate – a simple yes or no to research. Yet, as I explained to her, it is not a genuinely two-sided argument. To … Continue reading Animal Testing. Is it really a polarised debate?
Caveat Emptor
A current USDA case involving a major antibody producer underscores the need for the research community to demonstrate its commitment to high standards of animal welfare. On August 18-20, 2015, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. (SCBT) went before Administrative Law Judge Janice Bullard in Washington to rebut charges of Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations at its … Continue reading Caveat Emptor
Nobel Prize 2015 – Protecting People against Parasites!
The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to scientists whose research has led to therapies that have saved hundreds of millions of people around the world from parasitic diseases that can otherwise cause disability and death. William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura shared one half of the award "for their discoveries … Continue reading Nobel Prize 2015 – Protecting People against Parasites!
Truvada prevents HIV infection in high-risk individuals! A clinical success built on animal research
In the past two weeks we've learned of a major advance in ongoing efforts to halt the spread of HIV, two separate clinical studies have reported that a daily regimen of a pill called Truvada as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing infection in high risk groups. This success is a result … Continue reading Truvada prevents HIV infection in high-risk individuals! A clinical success built on animal research
Israel provides animal research statistics for 2014
The 2014 statistics from the Israeli National Council for Animal Experimentation show a 13 percent increase in animals used, reports Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper. The 340,330 animals used in experimentation in 2014 represent the highest animal use since 2007, the peak of animal experimentation in Israel. Rodents comprised the majority (84 percent) of the animals … Continue reading Israel provides animal research statistics for 2014
USDA publishes 2014 Animal Research Statistics
Congratulations to the USDA/APHIS for getting ahead of the curve and making the US the first country to publish its 2014 animal research statistics. Overall, the number of animals (covered by the Animal Welfare Act) used in research fell 6.4% from 891,161 (2013) to 834,453 (2014). These statistics do not include all animals as most … Continue reading USDA publishes 2014 Animal Research Statistics
Clinical trial success for Cystic Fibrosis gene therapy: built on animal research
This morning the Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium (GTC) announced the results of clinical trial in 140 patients with cystic fibrosis, which demonstrate the potential for gene therapy to slow – and potentially halt - the decline of lung function in people with the disorder. It is a success that is built on 25 years … Continue reading Clinical trial success for Cystic Fibrosis gene therapy: built on animal research
Speaking of Research 