Mice are the most common species involved in vaccine research. Of course, a mouse is not a human, but researchers are very familiar with the mouse immune system, which allows them to study the strengths and weaknesses of infectious diseases in order to develop effective immunization strategies. Thanks…
Ferrets, sharing anatomical and physiological traits with humans, are pivotal in research for various diseases like peptic ulcers, cystic fibrosis, and influenza, making them invaluable models in biomedical studies.
Home / Animal Groups / Dogs & Cats Animal Group: Dogs & Cats Although dogs and cats represent less than 0.5% of all animals needed in research, they remain crucial to studies to alleviate serious conditions that affect both people and animals. Research with dogs has resulted in…
Fruit flies have helped to develop drugs designed to treat a range of diseases from skin infections and genetic disorders to pneumonia, and meningitis. Some of the recent research with fruit flies has focused on understanding Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, spastic paraplegia, cancer, obesity and insomnia.
Cancer is a complicated, devastating disease that has affected many lives. New cancer treatments are continually developed because cancer cells change and resist treatment. Other treatments may work for one kind of cancer, but not another. New drugs must be evaluated in animals before they can be given…
Pigs serve as invaluable models for understanding heart function, disease, and treatment due to their anatomical and physiological similarities with humans. Their resemblance aids research in nutrition, drug absorption, renal function, wound healing, and diabetic studies.
These are common marmosets in the lobby of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Dried fruit, grapes, peanuts and other "pocket treats" are provided by their caretakers. This helps provide enrichment and also facilitates the ability to do health checks and other routine care procedures.
Rhesus macaques have played an important role in HIV/AIDS research. While HIV infects people, a related virus called simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infects nonhuman primates. Scientists can also study a virus called SHIV, which combines components of HIV and SIV. Research with rhesus macaques has helped scientists better…
Journey is pictured with her pups while loading food into her cheek pouch. Hamsters use their large, expandable cheek pouches to collect and transport food, which they may store for later. Mothers also build and maintain nests that provide a protected environment for their young. Providing appropriate nesting…
Meet Clyde, a Golden Syrian hamster waiting for his daily treat. His environment provides opportunities for several natural hamster behaviors. The plastic hut gives him a place to hide, while the wooden block provides something to gnaw. His full cheek pouches are another example of normal hamster behavior—hamsters…
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