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…
Visit Species PageThe secrets of how malaria became a human-killer have been revealed by a genetic study.
Read MoreCancer 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 ShareGreater understanding of these genetic interactions may eventually permit improved diagnostics and therapies for patients with cardiomyopathy
Read MoreFerrets 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…
Visit Species PageCats contribute to research in neuroscience, ophthalmology, retrovirus research, inherited diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases. Cats are a valuable model for the study of Alzheimer’s disease because they uniquely replicate various integral parts of the pathology of the disease, in a way that’s similar to humans. Advances in veterinary as well…
Visit Species PageCome See Our World (CSOW) is your window into the world of life changing research involving animals. We invite you to see the animals that are integral to medical progress. Advancements in human and animal health would not be possible without these important animals, as well as their caregivers, researchers,…
Read MoreGolden Syrian hamsters are susceptible to a virus called SV40 which is related to human-associated viruses in a family called polyomaviruses. SV40 is a virus that causes cancer in hamsters making them a valuable model for studying how these types of viruses may cause cancer in humans in hopes to…
View and ShareRats have long been a valuable model in research to answer many questions about physiology, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, behavior, and learning. They have contributed to medical advances for obesity, diabetes and cancer, as well as those for cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune mediated diseases.
Visit Species PageZebrafish are useful in research studies exploring basic biology and human disease mechanisms. They share 70% of their genetic makeup with humans. Their eggs are fertilized externally and their embryos are transparent. All of this makes Zebrafish a valuable model for studies to understand gene function and many human genetic…
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