Pro Animal Testing
Despite claims by animal rights activists, it is undeniable that animal-based research has contributed to significant improvement in the length and quality of our lives.
Throughout history, scientists have dissected or otherwise experimented on animals to learn how their bodies work. Because animals are in many ways similar to humans in how they breathe, digest food, reproduce, and respond to infections, the knowledge scientists have gained from examining and experimenting on animals has advanced to what they know about humans as well. Scientists can create controlled environments for animal, like regulating their diet, temperature, etc. in a way that would be difficult for human research subjects. Scientist argue that because they test some pharmaceuticals, and even some diseases, on animals, this has lead them to discover cures for certain diseases.
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Some major medical breakthroughs made possible by animal resting.
1) Penicillin
Only by 1940 was enough penicillin available for testing. Eight mice were infected with a deadly dose of 110 million streptococci bacteria. One hour later, four of them were injected with penicillin. These survived but the untreated ones died.
2) Breast Cancer
Animal studies in the 1950s showed that hormone changes can induce breast tumors in rats. This led to the development of Tamoxifen which blocks the growth of hormone dependent breast cancers. Further research with mice showed its possible preventive role.
3) Insulin
In 1889, Josef von Mering and Oskar Minkowksi showed that removing the pancreas from a dog produced diabetes. Insulin, however, proved difficult to isolate. Later, Canadian doctor Frederick Banting, managed to extract insulin. They injected their extract into a diabetic dog, close to death, restoring it to health. But their extract caused high fever in patients. Biochemist James Collip then developed a purification method but the only way to check whether insulin was present and in what amount, was to measure its ability to lower blood sugar in rabbits. Since insulin overdose is fatal, this was essential.
1) Penicillin
Only by 1940 was enough penicillin available for testing. Eight mice were infected with a deadly dose of 110 million streptococci bacteria. One hour later, four of them were injected with penicillin. These survived but the untreated ones died.
2) Breast Cancer
Animal studies in the 1950s showed that hormone changes can induce breast tumors in rats. This led to the development of Tamoxifen which blocks the growth of hormone dependent breast cancers. Further research with mice showed its possible preventive role.
3) Insulin
In 1889, Josef von Mering and Oskar Minkowksi showed that removing the pancreas from a dog produced diabetes. Insulin, however, proved difficult to isolate. Later, Canadian doctor Frederick Banting, managed to extract insulin. They injected their extract into a diabetic dog, close to death, restoring it to health. But their extract caused high fever in patients. Biochemist James Collip then developed a purification method but the only way to check whether insulin was present and in what amount, was to measure its ability to lower blood sugar in rabbits. Since insulin overdose is fatal, this was essential.
"Medical Benefits." Speaking of Research. 19 Mar. 2008. Web. 18 May 2015.
"The Good in Animal Testing." The Good in Animal Testing. Web. 18 May 2015.
"The Good in Animal Testing." The Good in Animal Testing. Web. 18 May 2015.