Announcements

The study of neuroscience depends heavily on the use of animal models. Most commonly used are rodents (rats and mice). However, some labs use other mammals for studies, including non-human primates (example: rhesus monkeys). Despite heavy regulations surrounding the use of animals for science such as those imposed by IACUC (The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), several groups exist which passionately and publicly protest the use of any animals in scientific laboratories. For example, SAEN, "Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!" is a group that organizes the "World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week" protests.

http://www.all-creatures.org/wlalw/

First, discuss the views of the two most extreme poles of the animal-use debate:

1. That ALL non-human animals could and/or should be used to expand the base of scientific knowledge
2. That NO animals should be used under any circumstances for scientific studies.

Where do you fall in between (or on) these two extreme points of view? Considering the following:

1. The fact that studies in neuroscience usually require subjects with high brain function (i.e. not drosophila)
2. The potential for unnecessary use of animal subjects
3. The power that events like "World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week" might have on influencing the opinions of the non-scientific public


Due Sunday, October 16th in your student journals and on Facebook.