Public Outreach – A Toolkit for Investigators

That public outreach is an increasingly important part of the scientific life in the 21st century should be news to no-one, and this is as true of biomedical research as of any other field of scientific endeavor. Allyson Bennett has written extensively for us on this subject, highlighting both the benefits of public outreach, and … Continue reading Public Outreach – A Toolkit for Investigators

AAAS recognizes the work of Speaking of Research members

On Friday two of our number, David Jentsch and Dario Ringach, travelled to Vancouver to join their UCLA colleague Edythe London in receiving the prestigious Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society, with over 125,000 members, and the … Continue reading AAAS recognizes the work of Speaking of Research members

Science’s Voices Must be Heard!

When my colleagues and I were first confronted with violence from animal rights groups we were offered the following justification: “... direct action is the only choice available when all other attempts at open discussion are brushed off. The university’s resistance to public discussion is proportional to the frustration it engenders by doing so.  To … Continue reading Science’s Voices Must be Heard!

Whatever happened to dialogue?

One of the goals of Speaking of Research and Pro-Test for Science is to communicate facts and information about the responsible use of animals in biomedical research.  A second, equally important goal, is to try to understand the impediments to dialogue and establish a two-way conversation with animal activists and members of the public that are truly interested in … Continue reading Whatever happened to dialogue?

NIO keep digging in their moral hole

We recently blogged about the disturbing threats made by the Negotiation is Over animal rights extremists website. Many science bloggers have joined SR in condemning their words. Janet Stemwedel (Ethics and Science Blog) ripped apart NIO’s tactics; Dr. Isis (On becoming a domestic and laboratory goddess) made a three point plan to defend scientists; and … Continue reading NIO keep digging in their moral hole

The Human or the Mouse? Would You Flip a Coin?

On March 8th I debated Prof. Gary Francione at Rutgers. It was an interesting, heated but civil debate, with a somewhat anticipated outcome. In a few words, we have profound, irreconcilable differences. There is a deep, fundamental gap between the views of the vast majority of the public and anyone whose moral theory declares permissible … Continue reading The Human or the Mouse? Would You Flip a Coin?

Herceptin: When personalized medicine and animal research meet.

Personalized medicine is very popular among medical researchers these days, and it’s not hard to see why. By tailoring treatment to fit an individual patient, for example by using information about their genetic makeup, scientists hope to make treatments more effective while at the same time avoiding or minimizing adverse effects. Anti-vivisectionist Dr. Greek writes … Continue reading Herceptin: When personalized medicine and animal research meet.

Animal Research Benefits Mom and Baby Alike

The contributions of animal research to human health are many. In response to blanket statement that animal research “does not work” I wanted to provide three examples of how animal research has directly benefited the health of women and their babies: in-vitro fertilization, oral contraceptives and neonatal intensive care. Do you or any of your … Continue reading Animal Research Benefits Mom and Baby Alike