I am delighted that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) decided to reduce their use of Chimpanzee’s in biomedical research! Yes we share most of our human DNA with Chimps and they have made enormous contributions to advances in medicine. But the cost is too high. This decision inspires all of us in the scientific community to continue the quest for viable alternatives to using animals in research. It is not yet always possible to advance the field outside of using animal models, but we must keep working toward this goal.
Here is a link to a recent CNN article on the NIH announcement.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/26/health/nih-chimps
I applaud NIH for this decision. As a cancer survivor, I am also deeply indebted to (and saddened by) all the animals who have suffered or died as part of medical research.
Published by kristennelsondvm
Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City.
In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.
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