Animal Models (2)

On the subject of animal experimentation (D. Hubel, "Animal Rights Movement Threatens Progress Of U.S. Medical Research," The Scientist, Nov. 15, 1993, page 11), it is worth mentioning that researchers at the Keio University of Tokyo have recently developed a silicon model of a rat, designed to save lives of research animals. This model has both artificial intestines and blood vessels and is well suited for use in student laboratory exercises. Although this novel invention cannot replace all laboratory animals, it certainly is an affirmative step in decreasing their number.

In my teaching I have found that despite the animal rights propaganda aimed at teachers and their students, most students come to their own conclusions on this subject. It is certainly the feeling of most of my students that animal experiments are justifiable when the object of the research is to save human lives. I have found, however, that most...