How Animals Help
Animals help scientists discover specific information about the way our
bodies fight disease and injury. In 2001 over 95% of animals used in biomedical
research were rodents. Here are some brief examples of how animals enable
researchers to find treatments and cures.
RESEARCH MODELS
Click on an animal and scroll down for more information
ALLIGATORS
ANIMAL OLYMPICS
ScienCentral, August 19, 2005 - As track and field events get underway in Athens, research into how animals run could help future Olympians. http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?type=article&article_id=218392331
GETTING TO THE HEART OF THINGS
Orange County Register (Calif.), January 10, 2005 - For scientists trying to understand physiology and evolution, alligator hearts contain one of the biggest mysteries of all. They are, in a word, weird. Like human hearts, they have four chambers. But like reptile hearts, they have two aortas, while human hearts have one. http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/01/03/sections/news/
focus_science_environment/article_359736.php
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
ARMADILLOS
The armadillo is one of the only animals besides the monkey and mouse in which the leprosy bacillus grows. Through research with armadillos, scientists strive to develop a preventative treatment or vaccination against leprosy to be used in areas of the world where leprosy is still prevalent.
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
BATS
ANTI-CLOTTING DRUG BASED ON BAT SALIVA
Associated Press, September 28, 2004 - Stroke victims being treated at a local hospital may benefit from the lessons of the vampire bat. http://www.nynewsday.com/news/health/wire/
sns-ap-bat-saliva-drug,0,914461.story?coll=sns-ap-health-headlinesCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
CATS
COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLUES
Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.), December 5, 2005 - A study in cats born deaf demonstrates how cochlear implants in very young animals allow them to develop normal nerve fibers to transmit sound and restore hearing by reversing damage to the brain's hearing network.
http://www.nynewsday.com/news/health/ny-hsears054540005dec05,0,4776001.story?coll=ny-health-headlines
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
CONE SNAILS
WebMD, August 25, 2004 - Researchers are plumbing the depths of the seas to develop new drugs for pain relief and brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/93/102169.htm?z=1728_00000_1000_nb_01VENOMOUS SNAILS: ONE SLIP, YOU'RE DEAD
Nature, June 24, 2004 - The lethal toxins produced by cone snails are in hot demand for neuroscience research, and are being developed as potent drugs.
http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/DynaPage.taf?file=/nature/journal/v429/n6994/full/429798a_fs.htmlCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
DOGS
PUPPY TO GET ARTIFICIAL LEG
Prosthetic research benefits animals
Associated Press, November 15, 2005 - Making an artificial leg for a puppy can be tricky. It could be attached to the dog's leg with a harness or a Velcro-type material. To prevent her from chewing on the leg, it will be made of material similar to bulletproof vests.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1313641
NEW APPROACH VISUALIZES HEALING HEARTS
Scientific American, June 16, 2004 - To recover from a heart attack, the human body grows new blood vessels to replace those that were blocked or injured. New research with rats and dogs, published in the current issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests a possible method for monitoring this healing process in a noninvasive way. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=00060523-2D3D-10CF-AD3D83414B7F0000
RESEACHERS SET TO TEST SYNTHETIC BLOOD ON HUMANS
ABC (Australia), June 15, 2004 - Researchers are claiming to have created synthetic blood and they're on the verge of testing the product in humans. Successful trials with dogs, monkeys, and rats have already been successfully completed with the artificial blood able to absorb oxygen.
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2004/s1131645.htmCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
FERRETS
Lab Animal, October 2004 - There has been much critical influenza research conducted in a little-known laboratory animal - the ferret.
http://www.labanimal.com/laban/journal/v33/n9/full/laban1004-50.htmlCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
FLIES & INSECTS
PLoS Biology, July 20, 2004 - Researchers have turned to the quintessential genetics organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to create a novel system for studying wound healing. After creating a nonfatal puncture wound, the researchers observed the familiar blood clotting and spreading of epidermal cells to promote healing.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-07/plos-hwh071404.phpCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
GILA MONSTERS
HEALING MEDICINE FROM GILA MONSTERS
KOLD-TV (Tucson), June 24, 2004 - Scientists have found a surprising use for the saliva of a desert lizard. Gila monster spit is being tested as a treatment for type-2 diabetes, the most common form of the affliction.
http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=1965442&nav=14RTOA5eCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
HORSES
Foundation for Biomedical Research, December 6, 2005 - The Foundation for Biomedical Research launches its newest campaign, HORSE FACTS, at a press conference today in Seattle in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The new campaign is an innovative, educational program to promote public understanding, respect and support for the vital role that lab animal research plays in advancing equine veterinary health and medicine. http://www.fbresearch.org/HorseFacts/releases/FBRAAEP.htm
NEW VACCINE MAY PROTECT HORSES FROM DEADLY DISEASE
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
Medical News Today, June 24, 2004 - Three related proteins combined may produce an effective vaccine against strangles in horses. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, more commonly referred to as strangles, is one of the most serious diseases effecting horses worldwide.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9853
MICE
Mice are used more often than any other animal in research.
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
CANCER VACCINE BASED ON DAIRY PRODUCTS MAY STOP AND ERADICATE CANCERS
PharmaLive, December 5, 2005 – A scientist studying mice appears to have made a giant step in the development of a series of effective cancer-fighting vaccines that may be able to stop and reverse cancer growth.
http://www.medadnews.com/News/Index.cfm?articleid=296055
NEW RESEARCH TARGETS TREATMENT FOR DEMENTIA AND BRAIN INJURIES
Queensland Brain Institute, November 28, 2005 - Researchers studying mice have identified a process that could lead to development of repair mechanisms for people suffering from dementia and acquired brain injury.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-11/ra-nrt112305.phpALMONDS AND EXERCISE KEEP BRAIN HEALTHY
USA Today, November 14, 2005 - Research with mice indicates that exercise, a diet rich in almonds and other healthful foods as well as a stimulating environment may keep aging brain cells in shape.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-11-14-brain-almonds-health_x.htm
RESTRICTING DIET MAY REVERSE EARLY-STAGE PARKINSON'S
MedfordNews.com, November 15, 2005 - Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center have demonstrated, through research with mice, that lowering caloric intake may boost levels of an essential brain chemical lost from the neurodegenerative disorders.
http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=320192&cp=10996
REPAIRING SPINAL CORD INJURIES
San Jose Mercury News, November 7, 2005 - Scientists have made stunning progress helping paralyzed rats and mice walk again by injecting them with stem cells. Now researchers want to take the next step – in people.
http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/business/technology/13102386.htm
NEW TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TESTED
New Scientist, November 4, 2005 - A new pathway for treating multiple sclerosis may have been found, if results with mice can be replicated in humans.
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/dn8263.html
NEW VACCINE MAY PROTECT HORSES FROM DEADLY DISEASE
Medical News Today, June 24, 2004 - Three related proteins combined may produce an effective vaccine against strangles in horses. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, more commonly referred to as strangles, is one of the most serious diseases effecting horses worldwide.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9853NANOSHELLS CANCER TREATMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE
Rice University, June 21, 2004 - A revolutionary new form of cancer therapy in development has proven effective at eradicating tumors in laboratory animals during the first phase of animal research.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-06/ru-nct062104.phpSCIENTISTS UNCOVER CRUCIAL MECHANISM FOR BLOOD VESSEL DEVELOPMENT
University of North Carolina, June 16, 2004 - New mouse research provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms controlling blood vessel formation and may have implications for therapies such as non-surgical restoration of circulation.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040616064347.htmSIGNIFICANT VACCINE ADVANCE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE THERAPY
News Medical, June 15, 2004 - Scientists have discovered a new vaccine approach that successfully prevents the death of brain cells in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
http://www.news-medical.net/default.asp?id=2444STUDY OFFERS NEW TARGET TO STOP BREAST CANCER GROWTH
Medical News Today, June 15, 2004 - Two proteins that normally help cells move from place to place and are made in large quantities in breast cancer cells work together to promote the survival and spread of breast cancer, according to a new study with mice.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9519#
WHOLE BODY IMAGING ALLOWS BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF IMMUNE SYSTEM
FASEB, June 15, 2004 - New whole body positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging techniques are allowing scientists to actually watch as immune system cells find and respond to tumors or infection in mice.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-06/foas-wbi060304.phpGENE THERAPY MAY AID HUNTINGTON'S PATIENTS
UPI, June 15, 2004 - Researchers have found gene therapy may be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Researchers injected corrective DNA and RNA sequences into mice that had a disease that mimics spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. They found the injections eliminated pockets of damaged brain tissue in the mice and corrected the physical symptoms of the disorder.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040615-014747-1604r.htmNEW APPROACH TO CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY DEVELOPED
Newswise, June 14, 2004 - A novel new cancer treatment has been shown to eliminate or shrink tumors in a study with 100 mice. The treatment causes anti-viral T cells to recognize tumors as virus-infected cells, and thus attack them.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/505554/Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
NON-HUMAN PRIMATES
Monkeys and other non-human primates represent less than one percent of all animals used in research, but they have contributed to major medical breakthroughs due to their physiological similarities to people. Primate studies have led to the deciphering of many of the complex mechanics of AIDS, and have helped in the understanding of the function of brain cell clusters in Alzheimer patients.PERIMENOPAUSE IS A CRITICAL TIME FOR HEALTH
Wake Forest University, December 5, 2005 - Research with monkeys suggests that the perimenopause – the five to 10 years before a woman’s menopause – is a critical time for preventing heart disease and osteoporosis.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/516362/
PLANT ESTROGENS IN SOY DO NOT INCREASE BREAST CANCER RISK
Wake Forest University, July 6, 2004 - Research with monkeys suggests that a diet high in the natural plant estrogens found in soy does not increase the risk of breast or uterine cancer in postmenopausal women.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/07/040706080110.htmCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
PIGS
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
COMPANY HOPES TO HELP DIABETICS WITH INSULIN-PRODUCING PIG CELLS
San Diego Union-Tribune, December 2, 2005 - Pigs, polymer and a quiet San Diego biotechnology company are making some diabetics and their doctors hopeful.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/biotech/20051202-9999-1b2microisle.htmlFDA KEEPS CLOSE EYE ON MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Associated Press, September 13, 2004 - A pink snout beneath the sheets signals this is no ordinary operating room - or patient. Working on the pig are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists in a little-known program that researches the latest medical technology to determine how safe and useful it can be. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/13/health/main642921.shtmlIOWA STATE'S PHAGE SEEKS TO PROTECT SWINE ON FARM
Innovations Report, August 20, 2004 - Bacteriophages - the friendly viruses that can wreak havoc on harmful bacteria - are being harnessed to beat back salmonella in livestock. A phage invented and recently patented by food safety researchers at Iowa State University is the first phage to control the spread of Salmonella in swine and to prevent the bacterium from developing into a vehicle of foodborne illness.
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/medicine_health/report-32605.html
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
PUFFER FISH
Los Angeles Times, March 8, 2004 - Researchers are testing a derivative of the puffer fish toxin as a novel way to block pain. In a small study published last month in the Journal of Supportive Oncology, the substance, called tetrodotoxin, was found to reduce cancer pain by at least one-third in 68 percent of patients.Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
RATS
RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY HORMONE FOR FIGHTING HUNGER
The California Aggie, November 14, 2005 – Using rat models, Stanford University scientists have identified a hormone involved in regulating hunger. Obestatin joins a raft of other hormones which can boost or suppress a person's appetite. The team carried out a computer search of genetic information which led to obestatin.
http://www.californiaaggie.com/article/?id=11535
OBESITY MAY AFFECT MEMORY IN DIABETICS
The London Free Press, November 14, 2005 – Trent University researchers studied rat's memory response in situations mimicking early stages of Type 2 diabetes. The team found significant deficiencies in the ability of overweight, diabetic rats to learn new tasks and remember new information.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Today/2005/11/14/1306008-sun.html
MOTHERHOOD MAY REWIRE, ENHANCE THE BRAIN
UPI, November 3, 2005 - Motherhood may rewire women's brains to make them more perceptive, efficient, competitive and socially aware, a leading neuroscientist says. While the study has so far been limited to rats, the researcher said the finding does have human implications.
http://www.upi.com/ConsumerHealthDaily/view.php?StoryID=20051102-033046-3931rALZHEIMER'S PROTEIN MAY BE CANCER'S TREATMENT
St. Petersburg Times (FL), June 19, 2004 - A protein found in the brains of Alzheimer's victims may someday fight cancer by starving tumors of their blood supply, scientists working with rats report.
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/19/Worldandnation/Alzheimer_s_protein_m.shtmlDRUG PREVENTS MS-LIKE DISEASE IN ANIMALS
Medical News Today, June 18, 2004 - Scientists have shown that an investigative drug for multiple sclerosis and related diseases prevented disease development when tested in animal models.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9657EXISTING DRUG MAY PREVENT BRAIN INJURY, SEIZURES IN NEWBORNS
Medical News Today, June 15, 2004 - An existing drug already approved by the FDA may protect newborns from brain injury and long-term neurologic problems caused by excitotoxicity, or over-activation of neurons, according to new studies with rats. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9502Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
SALAMANDERS
The heart cells of the Mexican salamander provide a mystery and challenge to cardiovascular scientists. Isolated salamander heart cells will divide in a culture dish, and scientists are trying to understand the mechanics of this cell division. Once the mechanics are understood, researchers hope to apply this knowledge to the heart cells in people, which do not regenerate after a heart attack.Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
SHEEP
Reno Gazette-Journal, July 21, 2004 - A flock of sheep grazing on the outskirts of Reno could provide a new way to treat genetic defects in unborn children and hold the key to ending the anguish of people waiting for organ donors. http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2004/07/20/76061.php?sp1=rgj&sp2=News&sp3=Local+News&sp5=RGJ.com&sp6=news&sp7=local_newsCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
SNAKES
RATTLESNAKE COULD SPAWN THE NEXT BIG PAINKILLER
Associated Press, October 12, 2004 - In July, scientists announced a possible new line of work: someday producing pain killers based on the venom of rattlesnakes.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2838382
SNAKE VENOM HORMONE MAY CAUSE 'SECOND STROKE' IN PATIENTS
Mayo Clinic, August 3, 2004 - A research team is focusing on a hormone previously identified in the venom of the green mamba snake for the role it may play in a dangerous blood vessel narrowing in stroke patients that can lead to a second stroke, reduced blood flow and brain damage.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040801230418.htmCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
VOLES
The Oregonian (Portland), January 19, 2005 - Forget Romeo and Juliet. Dr. Thomas Insel knows that the world's real romantics are mousy little rodents called voles. Insel started his psychiatric career by helping show that antidepressants can treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. But his fancy soon turned to studying how such chemicals change brains and behavior in humans and other animals.
http://www.oregonlive.com/science/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/science/110605337281130.xmlCurrent Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
WORMS
University of California, Berkeley, July 9, 2004 - Researchers have now discovered how the nematode C. elegans senses oxygen levels in order to steer clear of surrounding areas that are too low or too high in oxygen.
http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/07/07_worms.shtml/Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
ZEBRAFISH
FISH NEED YOU
PLoS Biology, March 16, 2005 – A transparent zebrafish embryo has allowed geneticists to discover a large number of mutants with anomalies in the development of external and internal organs.
http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0030075
$2.7 MILLION GRANT TO SUPPORT CREATION OF VIRTUAL ZEBRA FISH ATLAS
Penn State Live, September 21, 2004 - A $2.7 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources-National Institutes of Health (NIH) will support the creation of a virtual zebra fish microanatomy atlas. The computer-based atlas will give researchers around the world access to thousands of high-resolution files and will provide three-dimensional images of body structures such as organs.
http://live.psu.edu/story/8145ZEBRAFISH STUDY COULD HELP UNDERSTAND FERTILITY, BIRTH DEFECTS
Medical News Today, June 24, 2004 - After five years and thousands of zebrafish breeding experiments, researchers have published a description of dozens of mutations that will help determine the earliest steps in vertebrate development, which take the spherical embryo to a complex creature.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9851ZEBRAFISH USED TO STUDY COLON CANCER
March 1, 2004, Utah
http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/48741
Current Models - used with permission from “TOTAL E-CLIPS”, from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, http://www.fbresearch.org/
