Research Involving Animals

1. Where does research involving animals take place?

Research involving animals takes place in a wide array of institutions, expanding from colleges and universities to pharmaceutical facilities for the purpose of research and development [1]. These institutions provide novel approaches (methodology) and therapeutic pharmaceuticals derived from the research on animals. In the end, understanding the underlying pathology of animals paves way for the advancement of medicine in both humans and animals.
2. What type of animals help scientists understand the function of particular genes and genetic factors that cause diseases?

The type of animals used to understand gene factors and function in particular are mammals [3]. However, mice are the most commonly used animals (in Canada 43% of all animals used in research) that have aided scientists in understanding genetic factors and anomalies responsible for disease [1]. Mice contain a
considerable portion of genetic similarity in comparison to humans, 85% of their (protein-coding regions) genome is identical to the human genome [3]. Nevertheless, mice are used as ideal model organisms in the development of novel therapeutics and the analysis of DNA irregularities [3].
3. What would happen if scientists were no longer allowed to use animals for research purposes?

If researchers were no longer authorized to use animals for research, then alternative approaches and methods will govern future research.
These alternative approaches will involve the use of computer models, stem cells, and mammalian tissue cultures [1]. To extensively evaluate consistency of experimental medicine, the use of stem cells and mammalian tissue culture do not replicate influencing factors of in-vivo conditions. Nevertheless, advancements in biomedical sciences and regenerative medicine have demonstrated profound novel methods such as “organ-on-a-chip” to reduce and ultimately replace the use of animals in experimental settings [1].
4. What governing body oversees animal research in Canada?

The governing body that supervises the use of animals in an experimental setting is the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) [1][4]. CCAC regulates the use of animals in medical/pharmaceutical laboratories to test various substances used for the treatment of a wide array of diseases [4].
5. What does the acronym ACC stand
for?

The acronym ACC stands for “Animal Care Committee” an institution that attempts to mediate any potential harm to animals and the prospects of research [1]. This institution evaluates ethical reviews by the CACC to produce a higher standard of animal welfare in research [1]. ACC endeavor to maintain a healthy balance between quality of life for animals while producing innovative medicine for both humans and animals.
6. What are some research methods that enable scientists to limit the number of animals used in research?

Methods used to downsize the quantity of animals used in research are; “organ-on-a-chip”, stem cells, computer models, and tissue cultures [1]. However, significant novel approaches are being developed by universities and medical facilities all over the world. The fields of regenerative medicine and synthetic biology seem promising in producing alternatives methods for model organisms in research. In the end, my personal opinion is that in the near future we’ll be able to produce simulations in virtual reality or holographic projections that will enable us to accurately and precisely emulate physiological and biochemical scenarios in real-time.