Animal Research Ethics Archives

Word cloud concept illustration of biotechnology research

What Happens to Science When Model Organisms Become Endangered? – The Scientist (Animal: Dan Robitzski | October 2022)

There are obvious reasons for anguish as the natural world experiences a devastating level of species extinction. But for researchers who use animals that are considered useful modules for humans when testing agents for safety and efficacy, there is a growing concern. If a model species go extinct, how do we conduct testing to see whether an agent is safe and effective? Are we facing a future where humans are exposed to agents that have not been tested before they use in humans? This piece published in The Scientist examines the issue.

(US) Exclusive: Musk’s Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests – Reuters (Rachael Levy | December 2022)

If this news story is accurate, it is of significant concern. Animal research must involve time and space for the correct handling of animals and attention to animal welfare. The drive to conduct commercial research quickly and efficiently must never compromise this. The goal of the work is admirable and could be of significant benefit to many, but animal ethics principles are non-negotiable.

A funny cartoon about a researchers slip of the tongue frightening a potential participant who is a turkey.

Friday afternoon’s funny – Worrying about the integrity of a research team

Merit and integrity is a core ethical principle in Human Research. The last thing you want potential participants worrying about is that a team’s intentions are nefarious and thinking that the researchers wish them ill. This humorous Don Mayne cartoon illustrates the point with US early settlers conducting research with a turkey. The extension of the same principle to animal research could raise some interesting challenges.

Cephalopod underwater in the enviorment. Octopus, cuttlefish, bobtail squid

(Europe) The Science and Ethics of Turning Octopuses into ‘Lab Rats’ – EuroScientist (Mićo Tatalović | February 2022)

The use of octopi in animal laboratory research raises interesting opportunities, as well as significant ethical questions. Many national animal ethics standards globally (including Australia) recognise that octopi are sentient, with complex cognitive capacity and require scientific work with them to be submitted for research ethics review by an animal ethics committee.

A cartoon of gloved hands holding a syringe and drug vial in front of a line of lab animals.

(US) Animal welfare organization PETA holds ‘Without Consent’ display on UF campus – Gainsville Sun (Gershon Harrell | February 2022)

Discussions about animal welfare in research can tend to evoke strident and forceful opposing positions, as highlighted by this story and the public commentary the display generated. What is needed is calm and open discussion, based on the principles of transparency, respect, empathy and respect.

Graphic and image for pharmacological research.

Medical Regulators: Look beyond animal tests – Nature (Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga | April 2022)

The critical need and clamour for COVID-19 vaccines necessitated an abridged regime of animal testing of the candidate vaccines, instead relying more heavily on lab-based tests and other techniques (3D cell cultures, organoids, bioprinted tissues, computer models). Regulators approved this because of the urgency. This Nature piece discusses the argument for continuing the abridged animal testing for future pharmacological agents. It is time regulators updated their expectations in light of the advances in testing technology and the limitations of using animal models to predict what will happen with humans.

Funny white rat looking out of a cage (shallow DOF, selective focus on the rat nose and whiskers)

ANZCCART Fact Sheets (September 2020)

About Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) ANZCCART is located in

A medical research student examines laboratory mice kept in a glass cage. she works in a light laboratory.

Ethical guidelines for students in laboratory classes using animals or animal tissues – ANZCCART (December 2013)

Introduction The use of animals or animal tissues in laboratory classes is a privilege that brings with it responsibilities. These

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What Happens to Science When Model Organisms Become Endangered? – The Scientist (Animal: Dan Robitzski | October 2022)

(US) Exclusive: Musk’s Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests – Reuters (Rachael Levy | December 2022)

Friday afternoon’s funny – Worrying about the integrity of a research team

(Europe) The Science and Ethics of Turning Octopuses into ‘Lab Rats’ – EuroScientist (Mićo Tatalović | February 2022)

(US) Animal welfare organization PETA holds ‘Without Consent’ display on UF campus – Gainsville Sun (Gershon Harrell | February 2022)

Medical Regulators: Look beyond animal tests – Nature (Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga | April 2022)

ANZCCART Fact Sheets (September 2020)

Ethical guidelines for students in laboratory classes using animals or animal tissues – ANZCCART (December 2013)

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ACN - 101321555 | ABN - 39101321555

Australasian Human Research Ethics Consultancy Services Pty Ltd (AHRECS)