Ethical Problems
The use
of animals in research is a very debatable topic, appearing several opinions on
this matter. Since our project is based on the use of animals as our test
subject, it is important for us to answer some important questions we could be
asked about this area.
As we know, the use of lab animals, in particular, the use of rats, is an extremely common method in medical sciences projects because it is important to understand health problems in order to develop ways to treat them. Some diseases and health problems involve processes that can only be studied in a living organism, so, the use of animals is necessary when it is impractical or unethical to use humans.
Is there a specific reason to use rats in medical research? “Mice and humans each have about 30,000 genes, yet only 300 are unique to either organism. Both even have genes for a tail, even though it's not "switched on" in humans.” (Nature – 4th December 2002). These findings about rats genome helped scientists to understand the human genome and how it contributes to diseases, such as cancer and cardiac diseases. Since there are only 300 genes exclusive of each organism, the rat itself is the ideal biological model to study human diseases and test treatments.
Can we consider the use of animals in labs ethical? The use of animals in labs is not consensual, however it is common to use rats in scientific research. To avoid problems with animal rights associations, this project will respect the laws in effect (the laws in effect in Portugal can be consulted here: http://www.dgv.min-agricultura.pt/portal/page/portal/DGV/genericos?actualmenu=61974&generico=15470&cboui=15470 ), trying to maintain the comfort and causing the least pain and stress possible in the rats. We are also interested to respect the policy of the “3R’s” whenever it is possible, in order to not only obtain better results but also to respect the animal rights.
When it comes to the use bats in labs, this is not a very common practice; again, the group will need to get the legal permissions, the right facilities and technicians. In order to guarantee the welfare of these animals, causing the least pain and stress possible, we are only interested in non-invasive techniques (that is important to us because it will not alter the behavior of the animal and, at the same time, we are respecting the animal rights). In conclusion, we consider the debate about animal rights and the use of animals in medical research very important, however, as to our project, we want to ensure that all the animals will be respected because it is an interest of both parts; on one hand, it is crucial to guarantee the welfare of our biological material in order to obtain reliable results and, on the other hand, no animal should be endangered in vain.
As we know, the use of lab animals, in particular, the use of rats, is an extremely common method in medical sciences projects because it is important to understand health problems in order to develop ways to treat them. Some diseases and health problems involve processes that can only be studied in a living organism, so, the use of animals is necessary when it is impractical or unethical to use humans.
Is there a specific reason to use rats in medical research? “Mice and humans each have about 30,000 genes, yet only 300 are unique to either organism. Both even have genes for a tail, even though it's not "switched on" in humans.” (Nature – 4th December 2002). These findings about rats genome helped scientists to understand the human genome and how it contributes to diseases, such as cancer and cardiac diseases. Since there are only 300 genes exclusive of each organism, the rat itself is the ideal biological model to study human diseases and test treatments.
Can we consider the use of animals in labs ethical? The use of animals in labs is not consensual, however it is common to use rats in scientific research. To avoid problems with animal rights associations, this project will respect the laws in effect (the laws in effect in Portugal can be consulted here: http://www.dgv.min-agricultura.pt/portal/page/portal/DGV/genericos?actualmenu=61974&generico=15470&cboui=15470 ), trying to maintain the comfort and causing the least pain and stress possible in the rats. We are also interested to respect the policy of the “3R’s” whenever it is possible, in order to not only obtain better results but also to respect the animal rights.
When it comes to the use bats in labs, this is not a very common practice; again, the group will need to get the legal permissions, the right facilities and technicians. In order to guarantee the welfare of these animals, causing the least pain and stress possible, we are only interested in non-invasive techniques (that is important to us because it will not alter the behavior of the animal and, at the same time, we are respecting the animal rights). In conclusion, we consider the debate about animal rights and the use of animals in medical research very important, however, as to our project, we want to ensure that all the animals will be respected because it is an interest of both parts; on one hand, it is crucial to guarantee the welfare of our biological material in order to obtain reliable results and, on the other hand, no animal should be endangered in vain.