Written by Elaine K. Howley, Contributor

Photo credit: US News

Scientists have long used animals in research. According to the National Association for Biomedical Research, “approximately 95 percent of all laboratory animals are mice and rats.” They’re small, but these little critters share many similarities with humans, so researchers use them to model how new drugs may function and how genetics influence the course of disease. They’re often the go-to choice for medical research because they’re easy to care for and they have a short life cycle. They can be bred to be nearly genetically identical in short order.

Research on mice and rats has told us a lot over the years, but they aren’t a perfect model for humans. Particularly when it comes to cancer research, other animals, namely dogs, may offer an even better view into how cancer works and how they could help us one day break the cancer code. Read more.

Published Nov 9th, 2018 by US News

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