Facilities
We constantly strive to replace, reduce and refine our use of animals for research. Animals are only used where alternatives are not available, and ‘transgenic’ (genetically modified) mice have replaced many higher orders of animal as a model for human diseases. No mammals other than rodents are used at the LCSB.
Mice
Despite advances in non-animal models, transgenic mice often offer the best way to learn about human diseases. Four out of five human genes are also found in mice, making them a good starting point for research into human conditions. Modifying mice genetically to insert or remove genes is a well-established way to discover the function of a specific gene in health and disease. This knowledge is essential to develop new and better treatments.
Zebrafish
Zebrafish are small tropical fish used for studying gene function during embryonic development. 70% of genes implicated in human diseases are found in zebrafish. Their transparent embryos are ideal for drug screening or studying developmental processes.