Tens of thousands of people have died from Ebola in several countries in Africa that has resulted in a huge push to develop vaccines, hundreds of thousands of dollars. Reports say that the disease is on the decline, but not completely gone for now. What about other populations in Africa? As the ebb and flow […]
With panda numbers already at a low, the news of a virus killing two of these animals and leaving a third critical is devastating. Canine Distemper Virus, or CDV, is a devastating viral disease that can effect many body systems like the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, spinal cord, and brain. The virus is highly contagious […]
Tasmanian devils are in jeopardy. Over the last 20 years, a rare cancer has killed over 80% of the wild Tasmanian devil population. And now researchers know that this cancer is transmissible- and has a 100% mortality rate. The disease is called DFTD, or devil facial tumor disease, and it’s thought that DFTD is trasmitted […]
Have you ever heard of respiratory syncytial virus? Most people have not and if you’ve contracted it as an adult, you have likely felt mild cold like symptoms. Newborn babies however have a much more severe reaction to the virus, especially preemies, that results in 160,000 newborn lives claimed each year. Researchers are using lambs as the next logical step after rodents to […]
If you know me, then you’ve heard me preach a thousand times not to live in an antibacterial world. Your immune system works well and it needs a job. Humans are all too eager to pop antibiotics when ill. Researchers from the University of British Columbia have conducted a study in newborn mice to show how early […]
Losing a family pet can be devastating. The decision to euthanize, even if is for health reasons to end suffering, is one of the hardest to make in a lifetime. What if I told you that even though it is heartbreaking to put down a pet due to quality of life it can be a positive by having your […]
Every once in awhile, stories start circulating about a link between vaccines and autism. And parents everywhere start to freak out. It’s not surprising that this issue evokes such strong feelings- I would freak out, too, if I hadn’t done my research. Back up- a bit of history. In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield claimed to […]
How have animals helped YOU today? If you’re not familiar with research, you might not have any idea. But did you know that most of our medical advances wouldn’t have been possible without animals? It’s amazing to learn about the ways they’ve helped us! Antibiotic ointment, aspirin, cold medicines, penicillin, anti-depressants, blood pressure and cholesterol […]
If you have ever questioned the use of animals in research I strongly suggest you do your homework. The amazing discoveries, treatments and cures are are astounding. Albert Sabin, who developed the Polio vaccine said, “Without animal research, polio would still be claiming thousands of lives each year.” Sabin, and his vaccine, are just one example of […]