Show:
Myths vs. Facts
Traditional Animals
Nontraditional Animals
Alternative Methods
Committees/Oversight
100
Myth or Fact? Laboratory animals are kept in small living quarters in order to save space and money.
MYTH! There are multiple laws and governing bodies ensuring that all animals are kept in quality living conditions. In addition to plenty of space, these guidelines guarantee that animals are given appropriate enrichment and environment.
100
Rodents make up what percentage of animals used in research?
90% of all research animals are rodents. This includes rats, mice, guinea pigs, gerbils, and hamsters in terms of traditional subjects.
100
Why do you think exotic animals are used, instead of only using traditional animals?
Traditional animals cannot provide all the information needed for research, or are not large enough, or do not have the genetic predisposition or immunity to a disease.
100
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is giving a very small amount of a drug to humans so scientists can watch how the body reacts to and interacts with the drug. However, even if a drug does well in the microdosing trials, it still has to move on to animal testing.
100
What is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)?
This law sets the minimum standards of care and treatment for animals that are bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially, or exhibited to the public. It does not cover rodents and fish.
200
Myth or Fact? A researcher may choose to use animals or an alternative method (if available) for their study.
MYTH! If an alternative method exists, the researcher is required by law to use it over an animal model.
200
Which animal is used for epilepsy studies and why?
Gerbils, because they are naturally prone to seizures.
200
Name two animals naturally immune to cancer.
Sharks and the naked mole rat.
200
How does stem cell research work, and why is it so controversial?
Stem cell research works by taking the cells of an embryo and forming them into a tissue. This is controversial because it is unclear when "life" itself begins so it is difficult to determine whether it is considered taking a life or not.
200
What are the three R's and the five freedoms?
Reduce, refine, and replace. An animal should be able to sit up, lie down, turn around, stretch, and groom themselves when confined.
300
Myth or Fact? Most laboratory animals are fed a standard lab chow.
FACT! This lab chow contains all of the nutrients the animals need, however different types of feed can be fed according to the study (i.e. extra fatty foods for gastric bypass studies). In addition, animals can be given treats.
300
What animal is used for diabetes research?
Hamsters are used do to their natural susceptibility to diabetes.
300
Why and how are cows used in research?
Cows, and food animals in general, are often used for new pain relievers because most anesthetics are not allowed to be used on food animals.
300
What are some non-invasive imaging techniques?
MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT/CAT (Computer Axial Tomography) Scans are both used to as non-invasive imagine techniques.
300
What book sets standards and regulations for the care and use of laboratory animals?
The Guide to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, often called "The Guide". It sets standards such as cage sizes and environment.
400
Myth or Fact? When a researcher has an idea for a study, they only need to find a venue for the research before they can begin.
MYTH! Every study is considered both morally and scientifically before it can begin. In addition, the type of animal used in the study is also carefully considered.
400
How is restraining a rat different from restraining a mouse?
Mice can be restrained by one hand, whereas rats must be restrained with two hands or with mechanical restraint.
400
How do you restrain a non-human primate?
1. Chemical restraint (sedative) 2. Psychological support (let animal be around friends to help keep them calm) 3. Training (train animal to go into and cooperate with a restraint position to reduce stress)
400
What are computer models?
Computer models are a virtual representation of what is expected to happen when a medical procedure is performed or medication given to a subject.
400
What is the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee)?
Assembled to approve studies. They also seek alternative methods and ensure proper medication is given.
500
Myth or Fact? Animal rights activists care about both animals and people.
FACT! Most animal rights groups want FAIR legislator for both humans and animals. Animal rights groups are often seen in a bad light due to extremists.
500
What are some of the benefits of using traditional animals?
Fast breeding times, shorter life spans, easier to preserve genetic lines, small and easy to house, simple diet, simple enrichment, less emotional attachment, etc. I'm sure you can come up with many more!
500
What are horses often used in research for?
Horses are commonly used to research sports injuries. This benefits horses injured during racing and human athletes.
500
What do you think are some negatives to alternative methods?
They take years to be considered reliable; before considered effective, the tests need to be conducted twice: once on animals and once with the alternative method.
500
What is AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science)?
They manage the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. They also certify ALAT, LAT, and LATg.