Hamsters in High Places

Location: United States
Group: Rodents
Species: Hamster
Research Areas: Vaccine development

Hamsters participating in vaccine safety studies now benefit from double decker housing originally created for rats. After some training, they climb ladders and explore multiple levels, staying active and engaged. Their housing also makes it easier for caregivers to interact with them through the wide opening. These hamsters receive new vaccines to help scientists understand the medicine's efficacy and potential side effects before it moves on to clinical trias with human volunteers.