Using Animal Models In Research
The use of animal models in research has benefited the area of science greatly; they have allowed us to generate cures and treatments for many diseases, in addition to helping us understand the genetic and physiological effects of harmful stimuli. However there is still an ongoing debate as to whether using animal models in research actually yields valuable results (Pound et al, 2004). But the majority would agree that the use of animal models, in the last century has helped further our understanding of the human biological system. (Lemon et al, 2005).
It is essential that any experimentation using animal models is conducted carefully and accurately without any bias. Introduction of anomalies or bias to animal experimentation could possibly lead to ineffective human trials, which can waste vital resources or even worse, put human participants in danger (Roberts et al, 2002). Moreover, this would cause unnecessary suffering to animal subjects. This is just one of the key ethical objections animal rights groups have to animal experimentation (Perel et al, 2006).
Numerous animal species have featured in research and they all have their associated advantages and disadvantages. The species that is selected to serve as an animal model is picked because researchers believe it will react in a similar or identical way to humans when subjected to a stimuli and also because they have a similar etiology to humans.
Animal models have been a vital contributing factor in science for many years; they have allowed us to learn more about disease processes and now with the human genome project complete and the genetic code for numerous model organisms sequenced, genetic research can also move forward and yield significant findings at a much quicker rate. Although there have been calls for an evaluation of the validity of animal research, it is almost certain that animals will continue to feature in research and will hopefully play key roles in testing potential future treatment’s such as gene therapy and discovering cures to currently incurable diseases.
Are you involved in the animal research? Do you think it’s right that helpless animals are subjected to these procedures? Would you like it if someone locked you up in a cage and put all sorts of drugs into your system?
@ Admirer
That really depends on your religious beliefs. If ur an atheist, then humans are no better than cockroaches. Then of course u think it’s wrong.
If ur religious, then humans have souls, and animals don’t. Then u’d probably think it’s okay.
Who the heck do u want to test this stuff on anyway?
Dear Boo,
I really don’t understand your reply. Can you please explain in simple terms, for I am after all a mere simpleton.
Your friend
Admirer