Short Wave Rethinking The Lab Rat
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Jun 23, 2023 
Anil Oza, a dynamic reporter, dives into the fascinating evolution of lab animals in scientific research. He discusses how traditional model organisms like rats and mice are giving way to unique critters that offer new insights. As research becomes more complex, Oza highlights the importance of matching research questions with appropriate animals. He also explores the potential of unconventional subjects, such as snails for their regenerative abilities and finches for understanding brain health, advocating for a more diverse approach in biological studies.
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Standardizing Mice
- Science journalist Sonia Shaw investigates the history of mice in research.
- By the mid-20th century, scientists sought to standardize lab animals for consistent results.
Lab Rats and Research
- Nearly 100 million lab rats are used annually in the U.S. for research.
- Researchers worry that lab rats may not accurately represent human responses in drug studies.
Creating Uniform Lab Animals
- Scientists tried to create uniform lab animals by controlling genes, food, and microbiomes.
- Some researchers now reverse this by letting animals live in more natural environments, hoping to observe more diverse reactions.