WIKIMEDIA, ZEISS MICROSCOPYIn biomedical research, publication in high-impact journals is often thought to require experimental validation of in vitro results in animal models. The contributions that animal models have made in biomedical research, particularly in the field of oncology, are well recognized. But such validation experiments can be prohibitively expensive. Scientists working in increasingly competitive environments—to publish their results and secure research funding—are faced with a difficult choice: Juggle budgets to accommodate costly animal models into their experimental workflows, or take a different approach?
Recognizing that there are often significant amounts of tissue after scientists have completed animal studies, my colleagues and I sought to determine whether these experimental “leftovers” might be of use to the wider research community. A survey of U.K.-based biomedical scientists from a range of disciplines revealed a strong desire to make leftover animal material available to other groups. Thus, our concept of “sharing experimental animal resources, coordinating holdings,” or SEARCH, was born.
SEARCH aims to make what is frequently a hidden resource of leftover material derived from animal studies in biomedical research more visible and accessible to the community. Following discussions with potential end users, we developed our prototype, SEARCHBreast. This online resource allows researchers to source and share tissues developed through animal studies ...
