It has proved that it is very difficult to
develop non-animal methods to replace the use of animals in research and
testing. However, some scientists have moved on to develop and use methods for
studying diseases and testing products that replace animals.
Today,
I would like to introduce some types of alternatives.
・ Computer Modeling
They can be used to conduct virtual experiments based on existing
information and mathematical data. With the growing sophistication of
computers, the ability to model or replicate aspects of the human body is ever
more possible. Computer models of the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, digestive
and musculoskeletal systems already exist.
・ In Vitro Testing (Human Cells and Tissues)
Almost every type of human and animal cell
can be grown in the laboratory. Scientists have even managed to make cells grow
into 3D structures, such as miniature human organs, which can provide a more
realistic way to test new treatments. Human cells have been used to create
innovative devices called “organs-on-chips”. These can be used instead of
animals to study disease processes. The ultimate goal is to use these chips to
create a whole “human-on-a-chip”.
・ Human Volunteers
Rapid advances in technology have allowed
for the development of sophisticated scanning machines that can be used to
safely study human volunteers.An innovative technique called microdosing can be
used in volunteers to measure how very small doses of potential new drugs
behave in the human body. Brain imaging machines that can see inside the brain
can be also used to monitor the progression and treatment of brain
disease. They can help researchers understand the causes by comparing
with healthy volunteers.
These
modern methods usually take less time and money to complete.
Citation
National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/sya-iccvam/
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