Brick in the Wall (2017) is part of the Love Letter Series which connects the inspiring and impactful stories of patients’ lives and legacies with animal-based research. This video shares the story of Joshua Frase, his life and his legacy. You’ll learn about Joshua, his family, the research team and…
View and ShareMice are one of the most common animals needed for research. Most mice do not usually get individual names...but sometimes a technician will develop a special bond with one of their mice, like the technician who named Noel. Noel is a Swiss Webster mouse. Swiss Webster mice are often needed…
View and ShareCancer is a complicated, devastating disease that has affected many lives. New cancer treatments are continually developed because cancer cells change and resist treatment. Other treatments may work for one kind of cancer, but not another. New drugs must be evaluated in animals before they can be given to humans…
View and ShareResearchers recently discovered a clue to how zebrafish self-heal spinal cord injuries. Damaged cells secrete a special growth factor that is required for regeneration in these animals. Humans have a similar growth factor, but human spinal cords do not heal when severed. Further investigation with zebrafish may lead to the…
View and ShareA rhesus macaque mom climbs into a hammock with her infant at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Females reach puberty at around age three, while males are sexually mature by age four. Gestation is five and a half months, with one infant born at a time and often a year or…
View and ShareRhesus monkeys getting treats from their caregiver at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Healthy treats can include peanuts, grapes, apple slices, etc. Positive reinforcement is used to train the monkeys to move to transport boxes. These boxes safely carry monkeys to procedure rooms for blood draws, ultrasounds, TB tests, and…
View and ShareEnvironmental enrichment is an important part of caring for research animals. Research animals are provided with several types of enrichment to stimulate species-typical behaviors. These juvenile rhesus macaques are enjoying mini marshmallow treats. Interactions with their caregiver give them social and intellectual stimulation, while strengthening their bonds with each other.…
View and ShareAnimal research contributes greatly to medical progress that helps both animals and humans to live longer and healthier lives. Share our information about the important contributions research animals make to life-saving medical breakthroughs. These animals were crucial to the development of vaccines, as well as effective treatments for cancer, AIDS,…
Read MoreThe Japanese Shrew is an important model for Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID), a disorder that affects a person’s ability to digest certain sugars. It can affect infants, children, and adults. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. The shrew naturally has both glucosidase and sucrose deficiencies, making it a…
Visit Species PageMinipigs needed for research are fed on the floor so that they can root and forage for their feed using their snout. They are also offered many different types of toys to help provide tactile enrichment as they enjoy sniffing, touching and manipulating objects with their snouts. And, of course,…
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