The Economist sounds the alarm on the consequences of divesting from non-human primate research

International competition, domestic research capacity, public health, and public policy came together in a recent article and editorial in the British-based publication of The Economist. The main thrust of the articles was to contemplate how a country’s refusal to conduct and invest in nonhuman primate research could affect the country’s access to new scientific and … Continue reading The Economist sounds the alarm on the consequences of divesting from non-human primate research

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

Defeating diseases of the developing world: tuberculosis and Chikungunya fever

Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers and stomach cancer, may also play a protective role against tuberculosis, according to studies in both humans and monkeys by a team from Stanford University, UC Davis, the University of Pittsburgh and Aga Khan University in Pakistan (1). One-third of the world's population is infected with TB, … Continue reading Defeating diseases of the developing world: tuberculosis and Chikungunya fever

Positive Comments for Pro-Test Petition!!

The Pro-Test Petition has now reached well over 2700 signatures - have you signed yet? This petition, supported by  Speaking of Research, Americans for Medical Progress, and UCLA Pro-Test,  aims to show the world that the majority do support animal research – and moreover they dare stand up and sign their name to it. On … Continue reading Positive Comments for Pro-Test Petition!!

Taking a BiTE out of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse family of cancers that affect a part of the body's immune system known as the lymphatic system.  In NHL white blood cells become cancerous and develop into tumors at key points in the lymphatic system known as the lymph nodes, before spreading to other tissues.  About 50,000 Americans develop … Continue reading Taking a BiTE out of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

New DVD shows how biomedical research can save your pet!

Americans for Medical Progress, whom Speaking of Research works side by side with, have just released a fantastic new DVD which looks at the impact of animal research on veterinary medicine. The DVD follows four veterinarians; Marilyn Brown, Arnold Goldman, Lisa Portnoy and John Young, who lent their thoughts, hearts and voices in order to … Continue reading New DVD shows how biomedical research can save your pet!

PETA Staff join SR Facebook group – defection or deceit?

I'd like to give a warm welcome to Speaking of Research's two newest Facebook Group members - Justin Goodman (Winner of PETA's prized "Nanci Alexander Award" for best activist, and now permanent staff at PETA), and Ryan Huling (College Campaign Coordinator for PETA). However, one must wonder why PETA staff are joining a group which … Continue reading PETA Staff join SR Facebook group – defection or deceit?

Tumor Metastasis: Pieces of the Puzzle

When engaging in discussion about the role of animals in scientific research I am frequently frustrated by how polarized the debate can be, with anti-vivisectionists often claiming that animal research has made little or no contribution to advancing medical science, while occasionally defenders of animal research seem to imply that animal research alone was responsible … Continue reading Tumor Metastasis: Pieces of the Puzzle