The current Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia is a stark reminder on the need for effective therapies and vaccines for this disease, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people in West Africa in a series of outbreaks since the 1970’s. It is not just the human inhabitants of West Africa … Continue reading Ebola virus vaccine developed to protect wild gorillas and chimpanzees
Tag: Chimpanzee
Today’s Science live chat: Scientists discuss ethics of studying chimpanzees in captivity
In anticipation of NIH announcing a closely-watched decision on the potential retirement of hundreds of federally-funded chimpanzees, Science is hosting a live chat this afternoon at 3 p.m. EDT. The chat features several well-known scientists who will discuss some key issues relevant to the future of chimpanzee research, including: “What, if any, research should continue … Continue reading Today’s Science live chat: Scientists discuss ethics of studying chimpanzees in captivity
Animal Rights Bill Under Consideration in the Senate
The Great Ape Bill, which would have significant impact on chimpanzee research in the US, is now under consideration in the US Senate. Over the past year, the legislation has been widely discussed in terms of its aims to: 1) End invasive research with chimpanzees. 2) Move towards retirement of the US chimpanzee research population … Continue reading Animal Rights Bill Under Consideration in the Senate
Frans de Waal’s Ethical Arguments Need Clarification
In a recent perspective, Professor Frans de Waal argues that chimpanzees deserve “special moral status.” The statement comes on the heels of a recent report by the Institute of Medicine who proposed strict criteria on the use of chimps on biomedical research. According to de Waal there are compelling ethical reasons to ban all invasive work on … Continue reading Frans de Waal’s Ethical Arguments Need Clarification
Part 2: University of Toronto ends live primate research – Outsourcing Controversy
Earlier this week we wrote about the University of Toronto’s public statements concerning the end of their on-site primate research. A number of broader questions were raised by considering similar cases and articles. Among them, what does it mean for a university to claim that it does not engage in a particular type of research? … Continue reading Part 2: University of Toronto ends live primate research – Outsourcing Controversy
What Cost Savings? A Closer Look at the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act of 2011
The status and future of chimpanzee research in the US are at the heart of much discussion lately in both scientific and public (also here and here) spheres. A committee convened by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to consider the issue held a number of meetings and is expected to report its findings to the … Continue reading What Cost Savings? A Closer Look at the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act of 2011
A Closer Look at the Great Ape Protection Act (GAPA)
The status and future of chimpanzee research in the US are at the heart of much discussion lately in both scientific and public spheres. A committee convened by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to consider the issue held a number of meetings and is expected to report its findings to the NIH by the end … Continue reading A Closer Look at the Great Ape Protection Act (GAPA)
Guest post: Efforts to ban chimpanzee research are misguided.
The status and future of chimpanzee research in the US are at the heart of much discussion lately in both scientific and public spheres. Discussion of human relationships with the great apes, their role in research—past, present, and future—and our responsibility for their continued care deserve thoughtful, well-informed consideration by both the scientific community and … Continue reading Guest post: Efforts to ban chimpanzee research are misguided.
Speaking of Research 