Animal testing (From Durham Times)
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Animal testing
2:23pm Friday 6th August 2010 in Letters
Sir, – Despite a small one per cent decrease in the overall numbers of animals used in experiments, Home Office statistics released last week raise concerns over a rise in the use of genetically modified (GM) animals.
It is widely accepted by many scientists that using GM animals to study human diseases does not offer the most reliable or relevant research solutions, as illustrated by the disappointing results obtained over the past two decades in studies on cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and cancer. Unfortunately, due to the fact that this technology uses more animals than classical approaches, instead of resulting in a decrease in numbers, the use of GM animals has increased by 33 per cent in 2009 as compared to 2000.
However, alternatives to using animals do exist. Projects, such as those funded by the Dr Hadwen Trust, are implementing existing methods and developing new ways of studying diseases using human-relevant models.
New techniques such as using 3D cell and tissue cultures, computer imaging, molecular analytical methods and volunteer studies for example, allow scientists to move away from the traditional methods and use more accurate and scientifically reliable techniques which are also more ethical.
This year, the DHT is funding five new advanced research projects in UK universities into diverse areas of human disease including epilepsy, bone disease, childhood leukaemia and abdominal pain studies. We hope these groundbreaking projects, which are being undertaken by expert scientists in leading UK universities, will inspire others to follow this innovative and groundbreaking lead.
KAILAH EGLINGTON Chief executive, Dr Hadwen Trust
Kevin_E says...
9:24am Sun 8 Aug 10
Tissue cultures will not give reliable results on the effect of medicines on blood pressure. Animals can.
Computer studies cannot be used to model quantum events. Animals can.
Many non-animal research techniques, such as MRI scanners and computer models were only made possible after research on animals.
If the animal rights lobby want to help animals, they should be focussing on the billions of animals used for food across the world, rather than the millions used for medical research.