Animal-Methods Bias: A Roadblock to Scientific Progress?
2025-03-25
A recent study reveals a widespread "animal-methods bias" in life sciences: researchers often prefer animal models despite the availability of potentially better non-animal methods. This bias stems from pressure from peer reviewers and funding agencies, forcing researchers to use animals even when their contribution is minimal. However, the tide is turning. More NGOs and institutions are funding research into non-animal methods, like organ-on-a-chip technology, which better mimic human physiology, thus boosting drug development efficiency and reducing animal use. While still nascent, these alternative methods, with increasing funding and technological maturity, promise to revolutionize biomedical research.