Many of our most prominent scientists have accepted this reality and as a direct result have developed, validated and implemented methods of studying diseases and testing products that save animal lives and are actually relevant to human health. These non animal means tests are less time consuming than the crude , even archaic animal tests they replace. They are also more cost effective and are unaffected by differences in species that restrict the effectiveness of testing. These humane research methods include in vitro , genomic, and computer modelling techniques as well as studies of human populations, volunteers and patients.
EXAMPLES
HUMAN BASED IN VITRO TOXICITY SCREENING CAN BE USED TO TEST DRUGS, CHEMICALS, COSMETICS ETC. THESE HUMANE TESTS REPLACE PUMPING CHEMICALS INTO ANIMALS’EYES OR ONTO RAW, SHAVED SKIN. In a landmark 2007 study, the National Academy of Sciences confirmed that scientific advances can , “transform toxicity testing from a system based on whole animal testing to one founded primarily on in vitro or non animal methods.”
In addition , scientists have developed 3D in vitro human ,”liver” – that scientists can use to study the breakdown of chemicals in the human body – mimic the response of human organs – can be used to test cosmetics, drugs etc.
Another scientific triumph – modular immune in vitro construct – (MIMIC) uses human cells to model the human immune system - test the safety of HIV/Aids vaccines. Again this in vitro method is faster than animal tests and prevents animals being infected with HIV at the outset. – forced to endure acute weight loss, organ failure, breathing problems, and an eventual excruciating death.
Cancer research has also developed . Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have shown that human skin tissue forms an effective substitute for conducting burn research and research in relation to radiation and chemical weapon attacks.
Brain research also enhanced – those interested in studying the human brain use advanced imaging and recording techniques – e.g. MRI, fMRI, and CT scans . This allows the human brain to be safely studied to a single neuron level – Researchers can even temporarily and reversibly induce brain disorders using magnetic simulation. This eliminates the use of animals and the obstacle of inter species extrapolation – provide rich source of data about the brain that could not be ascertained through the use of animals.
LIST GOES ON AND ON
SUMMARY -
WE NOW KNOW THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MOST SUBSTANCES AND POWERFUL COMPUTERS ALLOW US TO PREDICT THE OUTCOMES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS . IN ADDITION USING COMPUTER MODELLING WE ARE NOW ABLE TO CONSTRUCT MODELS OF COMPLEX BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS – E.G. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM – WE CAN ALSO EVALUATE THE TOXICITY OF DRUGS. AS MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, EXPERIMENTATION OF LIVE TISSUE CULTURES ALLOWS INSIGHT TO BE GAINED INTO HOW LIVING CELLS REACT WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN CHEMICALS. EVEN HUMAN SKIN LEFT OVER FROM OPERATIONS PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE MEDIUM FOR EXPERIMENTATION.
CONCLUSION
The previous necessity for animals to be used in experimentation has been rendered redundant by advances in science. This does not come as a surprise – in science there are no closed pathways, and careful research will always permit a morale alternative to archaic and immoral methods previously justified simply because they served as the only option. I beg you to propose. !
