Animal Testing In Medical Research
“Animal research and testing has played a part in almost every medical breakthrough of the last century.” (Joan Ryan) Animal testing has been used for centuries. It has even created a lot of medical advancements and helped further our understanding of medicines.. While animal testing has shown great developments in medical research, there has also been a lot of controversy towards the treatment of the animals used in the experiments. Animal testing is the act of testing products such as medicines, cosmetics, and personal care products to see if they are safe for human use. According to Sean O’Neill about “3.7 million animal procedures were performed in 2010” alone. Animal testing has been used since ancient times to practice surgical procedures
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Medicines such as insulin, the polio vaccine, lithium, and penicillin were all tested on animals. After all humans share around 95% of genes with mice making them a prime test subject. Humans and animals also have similar organs which do either the same or slightly different functions. While the experiments seem harsh and inhumane the scientists have to follow strict laws to ensure the animal's well being worldwide. Most scientists use the “Three R’s” method. The Three Rs are Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement is using non animal methods when animal use is not necessary. Reduction is using the fewest amount of animals possible for an experiment. Finally, Refinement is using the best way possible to reduce as much suffering as possible. Since 1901 almost every Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine has used some form of animal research. The creator of the Polio vaccine Albert Sabin said “Without animal research, polio would still be claiming thousands of lives each year.” Vivisection helped create treatment for syphilis, malaria, smallpox, etc. It even helped scientists learn about tumors and brain disorders. While animal testing has several benefits not a lot of people are happy with how the animals have been treated during the
Medicines such as insulin, the polio vaccine, lithium, and penicillin were all tested on animals. After all humans share around 95% of genes with mice making them a prime test subject. Humans and animals also have similar organs which do either the same or slightly different functions. While the experiments seem harsh and inhumane the scientists have to follow strict laws to ensure the animal's well being worldwide. Most scientists use the “Three R’s” method. The Three Rs are Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement is using non animal methods when animal use is not necessary. Reduction is using the fewest amount of animals possible for an experiment. Finally, Refinement is using the best way possible to reduce as much suffering as possible. Since 1901 almost every Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine has used some form of animal research. The creator of the Polio vaccine Albert Sabin said “Without animal research, polio would still be claiming thousands of lives each year.” Vivisection helped create treatment for syphilis, malaria, smallpox, etc. It even helped scientists learn about tumors and brain disorders. While animal testing has several benefits not a lot of people are happy with how the animals have been treated during the