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…

Rats 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.  

Zebrafish 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…

The anatomy and function of organ systems in pigs are very similar to that of humans.  Pig and human hearts and their associated blood vessels are approximately the same size and structure. Thus pigs are a valuable model in understanding heart function, disease, and treatment. Both pigs and people are…

Sheep have a similar physiology to humans, can get many of the same diseases, have a short gestation period, and their young are born at a similar weight to human babies. These characteristics are valuable in research studies related to respiratory diseases and fetal development. Sheep have contributed to many medical…

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…

Rabbits are the reason our dogs and cats can live with us in our houses.  Louis Pasteur worked with rabbits to develop the first rabies vaccine which made it safe to bring pets into our homes.  Rabbits have a similar anatomy and physiology to humans, especially their cardiovascular system, and…

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…

Cats 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…