The Use of Animals in Scientific Research has Changed the Course of Research Work in the Recent Past

The use of animals in scientific research has changed the course of research work in the recent past. Scientists and other experts in various scientific fields claim that animals are essential in validating the scientific research. The use of animals in the scientific field has elicited mixed reactions from various quarters of the scientific community. Proponents of the debate claim that animals hold an important place in scientific research since they shed more light on the experiments conducted. Critics of the research claim that it is unfair to use animals since it amounts to their violation. Regardless of the pros and cons of using animals in scientific research, the scientific field has undergone, unprecedented changes and everyone is keeping watch on new developments.

The use of animals in scientific research is acceptable when there is a need to obtain a specific medical breakthrough. The medical experts use animals in scenarios where they need further insight on a given medical condition. In most cases, laboratory rats have become common in major experiments (Kalat, 16). This is because of the assertion by scientists that rats have a similar DNA combination with human beings. Rats give doctors information on medication required to treat a given ailment. This has become a common trend in the scientific field. One scientist at the American Health Association notes that the use of animals has become popular because of the past blunders committed in terms of advancing medication to patients. During the last couple, of years, cases where patients died because of the wrong medication were on the rise. This prompted the medical researchers to advance various medications on animals before using them on human beings.

The extent of using animals in scientific research takes root in cases where the scientists need to confirm information such as effectiveness of the medication and the nature of the problem (Paul & Paul, 9). As earlier noted, the laboratory rats function as test subjects before availing medication to patients. For example, the scientists lock some rats in a place with different conditions and place other rats in a different place. These comparisons produce varying results, which scientists, use to make conclusions. This method has become common in the scientific arena. This is because the results from the validity of the results obtained from the environment.

The extent of using animals in scientific research becomes useful when there is a need to relate a given medical phenomenon to other aspects such as animals. As some scientists point, the mode of relating these medical challenges is the best way to address the current scientific challenges (Regan, 6). Scientists use animals when they need to get more information on the given scientific problem, such as a contagious disease. The idea that animals exhibit similar traits with humans has contributed to the appreciation of the latter by the scientific community. In addition, scientists use the animals when they need to understand the genesis of the problem (Taylor, 72). As earlier noted, the relational aspect of using animals in scientific research has been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of treatment mechanisms to patients.

In conclusion, the use of animals in scientific research has become a norm and the field is set to undergo major revolutions. The advent of animals in scientific research will offer more insight and knowledge to this industry, which requires additional expertise. However, the scientists should run their scientific operations in a manner consistent with the moral and ethical principles of the profession. This will avoid a compromise on the professionalism and integrity associated with scientific research.

References

Kalat, J.W (2008).Biological Psychology. Cengage Learning.

Paul, E.F & Paul, J (2001).Why animal experimentation matters: the use of animals in medical research.  Transaction Publishers.

Regan, T (1986). Animal sacrifices: religious perspectives on the use of animals in science. New York: Temple University Press

Taylor, A (2003).Animals and ethics: an overview of the philosophical debate. Broadview Press.


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