Alternatives: From Test Tubes to Computers

Are animal models necessary in all research, or are there alternative methods that are better suited to the situation at hand? First and foremost, one must discover what the alternatives to animal testing are. 

One is in vitro testing, which is testing drugs or a vaccine in test tubes using human cell and tissues cultures. Computerized models are also used, as well as stem cell and genetic testing methods. Non-invasive imaging techniques, like MRI, are another example. And a final one is micro dosing, which is when “humans are given very low quantities of a drug to test the effects on the body on the cellular level, without affecting the whole body system” (Neavs.org). (Click here to link to the source used for this post.)

These alternative tests all have their own benefits. Animal models may not always be the most accurate models for research, such as in drug testing. Many animals have a different response to medication than humans do. Not only were many drugs not passed because they did not pass animal testing, but there are some drugs that were successful in animals, but failed in clinical trials with humans.

In vitro testing is often used because it tests drugs on human cell and tissue cultures so that researchers can have a better idea of how the drug works on humans. Computerized models are also very accurate and can be used to predict the outcome of drug or vaccine testing. In addition to being more reliable, alternative tests are also more cost-efficient.

Because of this, many people feel that alternatives are a better option for testing. In "Alternatives to Animal Testing Should be Pursued," an article in the book Animal Experimentation, Pardue quotes Dr. Martin Stephens, who agrees that animal testing is "expensive, time consuming and often have dubious applicability to humans" (Pardue 79). Pardue additionally states in her article that there are alternatives, such as cell cultures, that are more accurate and should be used in place of animals.

I agree with some of the points that the article makes, especially where it states that as long as researchers use animals respectfully and try to replace them when needed. However, I am still skeptical about how it claims that animal experimentation can and should be completely replaced. (Remember, always be skeptical and question what you read!)

So are there any disadvantages to alternative testing methods? What are the pros and cons, and how do they compare with the advantages and disadvantages of animal models?

Research with a Grain of Salt

            There is a lot of bias to be aware of as you begin your research. As you learn more about your topic, you may start agreeing with one opinion and leaning towards their side.

            Don’t fall into that trap.

            One of the hardest parts of research, especially when you first start browsing and learning more about your topic, is the risk of developing a bias, whether based on the facts you read or the opinions and reviews of others. Remaining impartial is important in starting out, as reviewing all sides of the story allows you to better understand your topic and have a better grasp of what you want to write about. So what can you do?

            Take everything you read with a grain of salt.

            Write notes, challenge the ideas in the articles you read, question the author’s views— these are all helpful ways to avoid falling onto one side early on. There’s always a backstory to each side, so it’s important to understand the topic and all arguments before making any judgments.

           The first thing I did was read (and skim) as many articles about the pros and cons of animal experimentation. One article, Should Animals Be Used for Scientific or Commercial Testing?, stood out to me specifically, (the link of which can be found here). It compared both sides of the argument and tried to remain impartial in order to relay the facts that built the pros and cons.

  

            What I found most helpful was writing down questions and notes next to each argument. I asked questions such as: What are the long-term or overall effects? How does animal use in research compare to alternative methods? Why are there instances of animal cruelty in labs if it is more conductive for research to keep lab animals safe and healthy? Are there specific benefits of animal experimentation that allow it to remain an important part of research in modern scientific society? Question what you read; it helps to build the basis of the knowledge on your topic and opens up new inquiries and ideas.

            And this has also helped me to finally form my research question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of animal experimentation in research, and are there better alternatives?

Forming New Ideas

            Research is something that everyone does, more often than one would think. Research doesn’t just mean sitting in a lab or making a new discovery that will revolutionize science and technology— it can be much simpler. Research is when you look up different colleges and majors to decide where you want to apply. It’s when you look up new coupons and sales for a trip to the mall, or when you check the stock market statistics to make a decision on whether or not to buy a certain stock.

            Research serves the basis for a lot in our lives, even the small things. But for extended research, like writing a paper on a specific topic, it can be a daunting task. Researching and compiling what you find to put it into words is always a challenge. If you want to start a research process, the best way to begin is to choose a topic that you love and go with it.

            But how do you know what you want to research? What are you willing to learn about and devote your time to? If you can’t think of a topic to start with, start by looking up a broad topic that interests you, or read some articles in a magazine or journal that you find intriguing. Take notes and free write. Write down as many ideas as you have, and from there you’ll be able to narrow it down. This part isn’t always simple, and isn’t always easy, but once you clear this hurdle and have your beginning, it will drive you forward.

            And so this is where I stand now, trying hard to search for a question that intrigues me. There are many broad topics that draw my attention, such as cancer research, new scientific discoveries, and even controversial topics like animal experimentation in research. However, narrowing it down is where I am stuck. But as I explore different possible questions and topics, such as the role of animals in cancer research, or perhaps how training helper animals is similar and/or different to what is done in animal experimentation, I can unravel new ideas that will help me to embark on my path towards beginning my research.