Mousetraps and how to avoid them: the convergence of utilitarian and scientific cases for limiting the mouse model in biomedical research

Cynthia Townley, Brett A. Lidbury

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    21 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The primary aim of biomedical research is to discover and develop new knowledge to advance human medicine. Frequently a ‘mouse model’ is taken to be a necessary step towards understanding a disease, biological mechanism or intervention. We argue for caution with respect to the mouse model: theoretical reasons, meta-analyses of empirical data, and viable alternatives all support a more restricted use of animals in laboratories than that which is presented in current practice. On its own terms, a utilitarian scientific justification for using animals in biomedical research converges more closely with welfarist claims than is usually recognised.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)59-74
    Number of pages16
    JournalBetween the species
    Volume15
    Issue number1
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Bibliographical note

    Copyright 2012 Between the Species. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher and copyright conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Mousetraps and how to avoid them: the convergence of utilitarian and scientific cases for limiting the mouse model in biomedical research'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this