Why don researchers use cell and tissue samples or computer models instead of live animals?
Researchers use every appropriate method to study diseases. In all areas of research, cell and tissue culture methods are commonplace. Analysis of scientific journals show that cell culture methods were used in 15,000 experiments between 1884-1950; in 50,000 experiments between 1950-1960; and in 114,000 experiments in 1976 alone. These cell and tissue cultures allow scientists to grow viruses, track defective genes, study cancer cells and assay drugs; but, cultures require large amounts of animal sera to nourish the cells. There is vast and expanding use of computers in research today. For example, scientists have developed computer models of human eye-movements and nerve impulses within the eye. This information eventually may be used to treat some forms of blindness. In the classroom setting, electronic machines are used as teaching aids. It is important to remember, however, that data for the computer models are derived mainly from animal studies. Thus even these methods require dat
