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Animal research experiments on the rise
Animals were used in a little more than 3.2 million medical experiments in Britain in 2007, a six percent rise from the previous year, the government said on Monday. The increase was the sixth consecutive annual rise, according to figures released by Britain's Home Office.
Most of the animals used in the experiments were mice, rats and other rodents. Less than one percent included dogs, cats, horses or non-human primates, the government said.
The rise was due mainly to breeding genetically modified animals -- mostly mice and fish. By turning off or inserting genes in animals scientists hope to improve understanding of human diseases and to develop new treatments. Drug companies say animals are a vital part of the research and development of new medicines and vaccines.
Animal rights groups who have fought a campaign against the experiments say the figures mark a 16-year high.
(Reuters) Animals were used in a little more than 3.2 million medical experiments in Britain in 2007, a six percent rise from the previous year,... more -
Government of Nunavut plan to tag 300 bears angers hunters
Inuit hunters in Nunavut, an autonomous region in northern Canada, are unhappy with the Government of Nunavut's plan to tranquilize 300 polar bears in the Foxe Basin and clip them with radio-frequency ear tags fitted with an RFID. The plan is part of a study to track polar bear movements. Hunters oppose the plan because of a Health Canada guideline that bans the consumption of meat within a year from an animal that has tranquilized.
Further, the drug itself is subject to controversy. GN wildlife workers will tranquilize the bears with Zoletil, a powerful drug cocktail composed of teletamine -- a PCP-like anaesthetic -- and a tranquilizer similar to valium. The article mentions that although Zoletil is used widely by veterinarians and wildlife researchers working with animals, occasionally the drug finds its way into the hands of substance abusers. One former GN polar bear researcher was caught injecting Zoletil in 2000. The plan has provoked opposition from Kivalliq Wildlife Board, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and hunters in affected communities.
The Foxe Basin is a vast area that extends to Hudson Bay, Rankin Inlet, and Nunavik to the east. Inuit hunters in Nunavut, an autonomous region in northern Canada, are unhappy with the Government of Nunavut's plan to tranquili... more -
Monkey Controls Robot with Thoughts
By just thinking about walking, a monkey made a robot walk. The monkey was in North Carolina, and the robot was in Japan. Researchers hope it will lead to better artificial limbs among other cyborg related projects.
My question, though, is this taking us one step closer to monkey and robot world domination? By just thinking about walking, a monkey made a robot walk. The monkey was in North Carolina, and the robot was in Japan. Researche... more -
Washoe-First Signing Chimpazee, Dies
This Chimpanzee would recognize a toothbrush when she walked into a bathroom. She was a smart little monkey with over 250 words in her vocabulary. They say she did more than just imitate, she was educated. When she was older she even taught sign language to three younger chimpanzees. Wow.
Of course there are many controversies to studies with animals, but Washoe did live a long life, and she died of natural causes.
What are your thoughts on these special projects? This Chimpanzee would recognize a toothbrush when she walked into a bathroom. She was a smart little monkey with over 250 words in he... more
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Animal Research
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Animal Research
