Why can’t alternatives, such as computer models and cell and tissue cultures, replace animals in medical research?
Computer models and tissue cultures are often used in conjunction with animal testing. However, a computer simply can’t mimic the complexities of an entire biological system. That’s why animals are used. Computer models and cell cultures can be used to determine toxic levels of substances early in the experiment, but final tests must be done on a living animal. Even the most sophisticated technology cannot mimic the complicated interactions among cells, tissues, and organs that occur in humans and animals. Scientists must understand these interactions before giving a new treatment or substance to humans. For more information on alternatives to animal testing, see the following sites: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu http://www.jhsph.edu/~altweb/ http://www.envirolink.org Why do drugs and other substances undergo animal testing? You never give a second thought to the safety of the products you use daily, such as shampoo, household cleaning supplies, and toothpaste, because animal testing h
