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• Researchers only use monkeys when other animal models are not appropriate for the research studies.
• Monkeys are more closely related to humans than other animal models often used in research, such as rodents, fish, or fruit flies. Humans and monkeys share 93% of their DNA. Their brains are more similar to human brains in both structure and function. The functional, structural and behavioral similarities of monkeys with humans are complementary, making them the best translational models for advancing knowledge about the human brain, its evolution and related impairments.
• Monkeys exhibit a rich and complex repertoire of social behaviours that is very similar to human behaviour allowing for studies of cognitive function.

Researchers study how the brain works and how it is affected by different diseases. They may look at how monkeys see, think, remember, move, and interact with others.

For example,

• Macaques are used to study the neural basis of higher cognitive functions, such as how we see, think and remember. They are evolutionarily closer to humans than marmosets and they live in large hierarchical societies with social behaviors including alliances, retaliation, and redirected aggression that are often found in human societies. This research helps scientists understand how the brain works, providing insight into conditions like Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, Parkinson鈥檚 disease, and autism.
• Marmosets are very social, they live in stable family groups and share parenting duties among family members, a rare trait in animals but common in humans. This makes them ideal for studying conditions like autism, where social behavior is affected.

• To understand the human brain, scientists need to study animals whose brains work in similar ways to our own. For example, humans rely mostly on our vision, while rodents mostly use touch and smell. These differences affect how the brain processes information from our environment.
• Monkeys and humans also process drugs differently than other species of animals. Testing in monkeys helps researchers find safe and effective drug doses for people, reducing the risk of side effects.

Researchers use many non-animal methods to study the brain, including:

• Brain organoids (grown from human cells)
  • For more information: Early Drug Discovery Unit
• Computer models (eg )
• Non-invasive testing with human volunteers.听Examples include
• Artificial intelligence to find disease patterns
  • 听
  • ALS
• Human biological samples
  • The Neuro鈥檚 Biobank collects biological samples and clinical data from neurological conditions and from healthy volunteers. Researchers around the world use the biobank to develop new treatments and better understand diseases such as:
    • ALS (Lou Gehrig鈥檚 disease)
      • Eg
    • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
      • DeMyStifi
    • Parkinson鈥檚 disease
    • Autism and intellectual disabilities
    • And many rare neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders
• Genetic studies using human samples; for more information Neuro Biobank

Animal research is only used when other methods are not enough to answer important questions.

• All animal research in Canada is regulated by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). The same high ethical standards apply no matter which species is used. The CCAC ensures that animals used in research, teaching, and testing receive optimal care and are used only when necessary. The CCAC accomplishes this through assessment, certification, and standards development.
• At 麻豆传媒网站/The Neuro, oversight is provided by the Animal Compliance Office within the office of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation at 麻豆传媒网站 and local Animal Care Committees which include scientists, veterinarians, animal care staff, and members of the public.
• Research must follow strict ethical rules, the 鈥�
  1. Replacement 鈥� use alternatives (computer modeling, cell cultures, organoids, etc.) to animals whenever possible. For research that requires the use of animals, replacement may involve starting with invertebrates before using rodents or monkeys.
  2. Reduction 鈥� use the minimum number of animals needed for reliable results
  3. Refinement 鈥� improve techniques to reduce pain and enhance animal well-being
• Peer review by funding agencies also plays an important role in ensuring that animal studies are necessary and scientifically justified.
• Researchers must complete extensive training before working with animals, and the welfare of each animal is assessed daily by experienced, trained veterinary professionals. Research plans are reviewed every year, and a monitoring process ensures that researchers follow approved procedures. Positive reinforcement learning (e.g., encouraging the expected behavior using rewards such as treats or positive words) is used to ensure the wellbeing of the animals, decrease their level of stress and to build a positive human-animal relationship with them.

Learn more: Working with Animals | Research and Innovation - 麻豆传媒网站

The same high ethical standards apply no matter which species is used.

Please click here for information on what ethical rules are followed for animal research in Canada.

• Animal research has helped develop many of the treatments we benefit from today.
• For example:
  • The polio vaccine, developed partly through animal research鈥攈as saved millions of lives.
  • COVID-19 vaccines were tested in animals before they were given to people.
  • Deep brain stimulation used to treat Parkinson鈥檚 disease patients for tremor and improving daily life was first developed and validated in monkeys.
  • Protocols for vision rehabilitation caused by stroke or brain injury were based on studies in monkeys
  • Brain-computer interfaces, which help paralyzed people control devices such as robotic limbs with their minds, were also made possible through monkey research. This research has revolutionized our ability to give autonomy to paralyzed people.
  • Researchers have developed brain-computer interfaces that not only restore the ability to speak but allow people with neurological conditions such as ALS, to hold real-time conversations (source).

Many life-saving treatments and medicines would not exist without this kind of research.

• Learning how the brain works and understanding what goes wrong in brain disorders are key steps towards finding treatments or interventions to improve the lives of patients. Basic science research helps us to understand brain mechanisms and function such as how brain cells and regions communicate, or how we process social cues. This knowledge helps to advance our comprehension of how these mechanisms are disrupted in disease or how brain functions diverge between people. Without understanding how brain cells communicate, how brain circuits function, or what causes neurological disorders, it is impossible to develop targeted, effective, and safe interventions.
• Research involving monkeys at The Neuro is poised to make significant contributions to the treatment of numerous neurological diseases and disorders including Parkinson's Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• Yes. Because humans and animals share many biological traits, animal research has led to medical advances for pets, farm animals, and even endangered species. Many of the vaccines, medications, and surgical procedures used in veterinary care today were developed or refined through animal research.
• For example, rabies vaccines, heartworm preventatives, and pain relief medications for animals were all developed through animal research.
• Animal research has supported efforts to better understand the threats impacting endangered species, improve breeding programs, and manage wildlife health, with the aim of aiding conservation efforts.