Hamsters are important in many research areas, including cancer, reproduction, virology, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Hamsters and humans metabolize fats and sugars in similar ways, leading to susceptibility to atherosclerosis and diabetes. When fed high fat diets, hamsters’ LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) will elevate, as in humans, and lead…

Ferrets are important models for peptic ulcer disease, carotenoid metabolism, cystic fibrosis, and drug emesis screening due to some anatomical and physiological similarities with humans. They have also contributed to cardiovascular research, neural development and visual system studies, skeletal research, pediatric endotracheal intubation training, and the investigation of some types…

Baboons have long been important models of human diseases and for understanding physiology.  This is due to their many similarities to humans. Additionally, their physiological parameters can be measured with the same equipment used for humans.  Some key research areas involving baboons include neonatal lung disease, dental development, excess fat…