Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Taking animals out of laboratory research

Taking animals out of laboratory research

June 25, 2007

Pioneering work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research - and ultimately remove them from laboratories altogether - has received a major boost at The University of Nottingham.

A laboratory devoted to finding effective alternatives to animal testing has been expanded and completely remodelled in a £240,000 overhaul designed to hasten the development of effective non-animal techniques.




Scientists hope that by developing the use of cell and tissue cultures, computer modelling, cell and molecular biology, epidemiology and other methods, they will one day be able to completely remove animals from medical research - while still maintaining crucial work to defeat diseases that affect millions of people.

The new FRAME Alternatives Laboratory, within the University's Medical School, is to be officially opened by Ed Balls MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, on July 6.

FRAME - Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments - has had its laboratory at the University for 25 years, making Nottingham unique as the location of the charity's only research facility. The lab is run as a FRAME/University collaboration.

FRAME advocates the use of alternative methods to animal testing, through the use of the 'Three Rs' - refinement, reduction and replacement. Refinement of procedures so that the suffering of any animals necessarily used is minimised, reduction of the number of animals used to an unavoidable minimum, and ultimately replacement of animals altogether with validated alternative methods such as cell cultures and computer modelling.

The charity is seeking reliable, scientifically proven ways forward which take account of the welfare of both humans and animals, without jeopardising the ground-breaking work on the major healthcare challenges of the 21st century taking place at research centres around the world.

The official opening of the new FRAME Alternatives Laboratory will be performed by Ed Balls MP at 11.30am on Friday, July 6. The event will also be attended by members of both FRAME and The University of Nottingham, who will be the guests of Professor Don Grierson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Professor Terry Bennett, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, which houses the FRAME Alternatives Laboratory, said: "The close association between FRAME and the School of Biomedical Sciences in The University of Nottingham is clear evidence of the willingness of all concerned to take seriously the need for careful scrutiny of the use of animals in medical experiments, and the rigorous application of the principle of the 'Three Rs'."

Among the invited guests will be Brough Girling, husband of the late Julia Girling, who raised more than £12,000 for FRAME during her life and left a £100,000 legacy to the charity when she died last year. Their daughter Sarah will also attend. This legacy forms part of FRAME's contribution to the remodelled laboratory. The overall cost of expanding and refurbishing the Laboratory has been shared equally between FRAME and the University.

Dr Nick Palmer, MP for Broxtowe and member of the FRAME all-party parliamentary group, will also attend the opening event.

Professor Michael Balls, Chairman of the Trustees of FRAME, said: "FRAME's decision to move from London to Nottingham in 1981, and to establish a research programme in collaboration with the University, was a master stroke, which greatly enhanced the standing of the Charity.

"The FRAME Alternatives Laboratory has deservedly earned an international reputation for its contributions to the development and validation of non-animal procedures to replace animal tests on chemicals and products of various kinds. The new facility will enable our work to reach out in new directions, so that we will be able to maintain our position at the forefront of research on alternatives to animal experimentation."

Dr Andy Bennett, Director of the FRAME Alternatives Laboratory, said: "The new FRAME laboratories will provide a wonderful facility that will take our research into human cell culture-based alternatives forward.

"The positioning of the laboratory in the Medical School is highly beneficial and will allow us to further strengthen research links with clinicians and basic scientists at the University and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust."

FRAME recognises that immediate abolition of all animal experiments is not possible, because vital medical research must continue to find treatments for diseases which lessen the quality of human and animal life. New consumer products, medicines, and industrial and agricultural chemicals must be adequately tested in order to identify potential hazards to human and animal health, and to the environment.

Boots plc contributed to the official opening on July 6, a further gesture of support for FRAME and its research programme, which has been given in various ways for more than 20 years.

The University of Nottingham



Related Laboratory Research Current Events and Laboratory Research News Articles Laboratory Research Current Events and Laboratory Research News RSS Laboratory Research Current Events and Laboratory Research News RSS
Oh, brother, it's true: Plants can recognize their siblings and now we know how
Plants may not have eyes and ears, but they can recognize their siblings, and researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered how.

Can an over-the-counter vitamin-like substance slow the progression of Parkinson's disease?
Rush University Medical Center is participating in a large-scale, multi-center clinical trial in the U.S. and Canada to determine whether a vitamin-like substance, in high doses, can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects about one million people in the United States.

Discovery to aid in future treatments of third-world parasites
Schistosomiasis, one of the most important of the neglected tropical diseases, is caused by infection with parasitic helminths of the genus Schistosoma.

Vitamin D, curcumin may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease
UCLA scientists and colleagues from UC Riverside and the Human BioMolecular Research Institute have found that a form of vitamin D, together with a chemical found in turmeric spice called curcumin, may help stimulate the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which forms the plaques considered the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Study identifies biomarker that safely monitors tumor response to new brain cancer treatment
A specific biomarker, a protein released by dying tumor cells, has been identified as an effective tool in an animal model to gauge the response to a novel gene therapy treatment for glioblastoma mulitforme.

Second gene linked to familial testicular cancer
Specific variations or mutations in a particular can gene raise a man's risk of familial, or inherited, testicular germ-cell cancer, the most common form of this disease.

New biomarker method could increase the number of diagnostic tests for cancer
A team of researchers, including several from UCSF, has demonstrated that a new method for detecting and quantifying protein biomarkers in body fluids may ultimately make it possible to screen multiple biomarkers in hundreds of patient samples, thus ensuring that only the strongest biomarker candidates will advance down the development pipeline.

UAB Researchers Draft 3-D Protein Map
A new three-dimensional computer protein map is helping researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) unravel the biological pathways that control brain-cell death after a stroke.

Green tea extract shows promise in leukemia trials
Mayo Clinic researchers are reporting positive results in early leukemia clinical trials using the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active ingredient in green tea.

Novel gene predicts local recurrence in early-onset breast cancer
A newly discovered gene known as DEAR1 is mutated in breast cancer and is an independent predictor of local recurrence-free survival in early-onset breast cancer.
More Laboratory Research Current Events and Laboratory Research News Articles
Building Type Basics for Research Laboratories

Building Type Basics for Research Laboratories
by Daniel D. Watch (Author), Stephen A. Kliment (Author), Perkins & Will (Author)

The Wiley Building Type Basics series provides architects and other professionals with the essential information they need to jumpstart the design of a variety of facilities. This volume covers the design of research laboratories, with the practical information necessary to meet the construction and renovation needs of this increasingly complex industry. Featuring more than 200 illustrations, the Second Edition now addresses laboratory construction in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and updates its information for post-9/11 research needs and trends, including the current International Building Codes. New and updated projects from a variety of designers including Duke University's Medical Science Research Building, GlaxoWellcoms laboratories in the UK, and the US government's Argon...

10 ml Amber Sealed Sterile Glass Vial

10 ml Amber Sealed Sterile Glass Vial
by RLS

These sterile vials are Type 1 borosilicate assembled with butyl stoppers and colored aluminum seals. Neck size is 20mm. Sterilization is performed in an FDA inspected facility, operating to cGMP compliance. All sterilization processes are carried out under strict Class 100 U.S. Pharmacopoeia and Federal Code of Regulations methodologies. Assembled units are sterile and free of all endotoxins and meet the FDA''s mandated 14-day sterility testing protocol. Ideal for analytical laboratories, compounding pharmacies, veterinarians, etc.

1950 National Institute Medical Research Laboratory

1950 National Institute Medical Research Laboratory
by old-print

1950 NATIONAL INSTITUTE MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY Two pages from the Illustrated London News dated 1950, an illustrated weekly newspaper weeks date as shown on top of page, the size of each page is approximately 10 x 14.5 inches (260x370). All are genuine antique prints and not modern copies, the Illustrated London News is an illustrated magazine which was first printed in 1842 and is the finest pictorial example of a historic social record of British and world events up to the present day. The ILN is known for its coverage of the following subjects the wars, ships, boats, guns, sailing, portraits, fine art, old and antique prints, wood cut, wood engravings, early photographs, Victorian life, Victorian culture, kings, queens, royalty, travels, adventures, natural history, birds, fish,...

October 24, 1992: graz, austria

October 24, 1992: graz, austria
Survival Research Laboratories (Primary Contributor)



The Fortress

The Fortress
Directed By: Robert Barron
Also With: Carl Macek (Producer), Ahmed Agrama (Producer), Jehan Agrama (Producer)



Survival Research Laboratories - Ten Years of Robotic Mayhem

Survival Research Laboratories - Ten Years of Robotic Mayhem
Starring: Brecht, Mike Dingle, Matthew Heckert, Erik Hobijn, Brian King
Directed By: Jon Reiss
Also With: Mike Dingle (Producer), Leonard Levy (Cinematographer), Leslie Asako Gladsjo (Cinematographer), Leslie Asako Gladsjo (Editor), Jon Reiss (Editor), Jon Reiss (Producer), Joe Rees (Editor), Joe Rees (Producer)

Before "Battle Bots", "The Matrix", "The Terminator" or any of their imitators, there was Survival Research Laboratories. Founded by the visionary Mark Pauline, SRL utilizes incredibly complex props and robotics to create a unique spectacle unlike anythi

Thorne Research Labs.: Captomer - 100 mg. (45 Capsules)

Thorne Research Labs.: Captomer - 100 mg. (45 Capsules)
by Thorne Research Laboratories

Captomer-100 45c is available by Thorne Research. DMSA (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid), a sulfhydryl-containing compound, binds to metallic elements and is of significant benefit in maintaining a normal balance of metal elements in the body. Thorne provides DMSA in both 100 mg and 250 mg capsules. Ingredients: Serving Size: One (1) Capsule Each Capsule Contains: Succinic Acid ...162.5mg* (from 250 mg. DMSA**) * Daily Value (DV) not established ** Meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Contains: Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule. Dosage: 10 mg. per kg body weight per day in three (3) divided doses - between meals. Use on a two-week (2-week) cycle, 3 days on 11 days off. WARNINGS: TAMPER EVIDENT: Use only if bottle is sealed. If pregnant, consult your health care...

Ames Contouring Deck Fabric (CRF250)

Ames Contouring Deck Fabric (CRF250)
by Ames Research Laboratories, Inc

Sold as one unit. (1 unit = each.) 42" x 75 feet (250 square feet). Polyester contouring fabric adds substantial strength to the coating of surfaces. Reinforces the coating to resist ripping and tearing for longer life. Deck fabric can be used over plywood, concrete, metal and many other surfaces . Manufacturer number: CRF250. SKU #: 1391440. Country of origin: (TBA). Distributed by Ames Research Laboratories, Inc.

Laboratory Notebook,4x4 Quad Ruled,2-Part,Carbonless,White/Yellow,11x9-1/4

Laboratory Notebook,4x4 Quad Ruled,2-Part,Carbonless,White/Yellow,11x9-1/4
by National

Laboratory Notebook with stitched binding and brown Pressboard cover. 100 carbonless sets. Part 1: white; part 2: yellow. 3-hole punched, second sheet is microperforated. 4 x 4 quad ruled. 11" x 9-1/4".

Canon EOS 50D 15.1 Megapixel Digital Camera SLR + Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens + Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite + 8GB SDHC + Monopod + Willoughby's Dental/Medical Accessory Package

Canon EOS 50D 15.1 Megapixel Digital Camera SLR + Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens + Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite + 8GB SDHC + Monopod + Willoughby's Dental/Medical Accessory Package
by Canon

Canons new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV. Pick up the EOS 50D and youll experience true digital inspiration! Bring small things into full-sized view with the Canon EF 100mm macro USM lens. Macro lenses can uncover detail...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com