4.26.2012

Learning and appreciating contributors to well-being

I know I keep on talking about education and where to find valuable information about the use of animals in research. I too started from scratch but by being involved I learned and discovered people whom share a common passion. People that care about humans and animals alike and about advancing medical research for the greater benefit of all.

Training truly is a great way of advancing in life, personally and in a career. Actually I find that in any activity you do there is a learning aspect. Sometimes you may be challenged by a task and it is daunting. You are being asked to come out of your comfort zone and that is not always easy I know.
You really shouldn't feel bad or akward about this, for you have trained and learned during your entire life.

Most aspects in animal research are regulated in one way or another and that is a very good thing.
For example take transportation, not only are there the guidelines for the humane transportation of research animals
ILAR guidelines for the HUMANE TRANSPORTATION OF RESEARCH ANIMALS

but in addition there are also state, interstate, national and international regulations that govern some aspect of the movement animals, be they destined to research or not. These can involve such aspects as health permits, import criteria or control mechanisms preventing the introduction of diseases or invasive species. Another important aspect is the Convention in international trade of endangered species of wild fauna and flora, also known as CITES.

Other examples include the IATA Live Animals Regulations manual, which the airlines abide by for the acceptance, packing and handling of live animals, and laws set forth by countries such as the Animal Welfare Act in the United States or EC Regulation #1 - 2005 that is applicable through-out Europe.

The care and use of animals in laboratories is another domain covered by guidelines that you can train to and should be familiar with.   You can order the guide here or download the pdf for free
So yes there is more to it than meets the eye but with good training and some mentors I am confident that you too can learn your way into understanding and learning about what is involved in biomedical research.
Then there are those that dedicate their lives towards understanding disease mechanisms, virus functions and their transmission, gene research etc, the list is endless.
This is fundamental research that leads to important breakthroughs we all benefit from. Some researchers one day reach the ultimate hall of fame and are rewarded for their work with a Nobel price. You can find a list of these Nobel laureates hereafter together with how they contributed to Medicine and which animal models contributed to their success.
Medical Progress, Nobel laureates and associated animals

About a year ago I benefited from this one:
I and my family therefore thank M. Barry J. Marshall and the piglets he used, wholeheartedly!

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