UK Scientists To Rely Less On Animal Testing, More On AI And 3D Printing
The UK has unveiled a plan to significantly reduce animal testing in scientific research, with the goal of phasing it out altogether in favor of more advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D bioprinting.
Under the new strategy, developed by Science Minister Patrick Vallance, certain animal tests will be replaced by alternative methods that are deemed safe for human exposure. This includes replacing animal testing to assess the safety of products such as life-saving vaccines and pesticides with organ-on-a-chip systems, which mimic how human organs work using real human cells.
The government is also committing new funding for researchers and streamlining regulatory processes to facilitate the development of these alternative methods. The aim is to increase the use of AI to analyze vast amounts of data on molecules and predict whether new medicines will be safe and effective in humans.
The plan includes a number of key milestones, including an end to regulatory testing on animals for skin and eye irritation by 2026, and phasing out tests of botox on mice by 2027. By 2030, pharmacokinetic studies on dogs and non-human primates are expected to be significantly reduced.
The strategy has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, who see it as a major step towards reducing the use of animals in scientific research. "Nobody in our country of animal lovers wants to see suffering," said Lord Vallance, adding that the plan will support work to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives when they are safe and effective.
The RSPCA's science and policy manager, Barney Reed, described the strategy as a "clear ambition" towards eliminating animal use in scientific research. He noted that it would require increased investment and collaboration between government, businesses, and welfare groups, but said that if supported and implemented effectively, it could create a significant impact for animals, science, and society.
The UK has unveiled a plan to significantly reduce animal testing in scientific research, with the goal of phasing it out altogether in favor of more advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D bioprinting.
Under the new strategy, developed by Science Minister Patrick Vallance, certain animal tests will be replaced by alternative methods that are deemed safe for human exposure. This includes replacing animal testing to assess the safety of products such as life-saving vaccines and pesticides with organ-on-a-chip systems, which mimic how human organs work using real human cells.
The government is also committing new funding for researchers and streamlining regulatory processes to facilitate the development of these alternative methods. The aim is to increase the use of AI to analyze vast amounts of data on molecules and predict whether new medicines will be safe and effective in humans.
The plan includes a number of key milestones, including an end to regulatory testing on animals for skin and eye irritation by 2026, and phasing out tests of botox on mice by 2027. By 2030, pharmacokinetic studies on dogs and non-human primates are expected to be significantly reduced.
The strategy has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, who see it as a major step towards reducing the use of animals in scientific research. "Nobody in our country of animal lovers wants to see suffering," said Lord Vallance, adding that the plan will support work to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives when they are safe and effective.
The RSPCA's science and policy manager, Barney Reed, described the strategy as a "clear ambition" towards eliminating animal use in scientific research. He noted that it would require increased investment and collaboration between government, businesses, and welfare groups, but said that if supported and implemented effectively, it could create a significant impact for animals, science, and society.
. About time, right? 
It's crazy how much tech has advanced already - AI and 3D printing can do so much more than any living creature could ever 'test' for us. Plus, it's all about safety for humans now... gotta love that 
.
AI & 3D printing r gonna be a game changer in this field 
they r already makin waves in biotech research with those organ-on-a-chip systems... it's like, who needs animals when u can have tiny human organs on a chip? 
. AI and 3D printing are the future 
, we should be embracing tech that helps us save lives without hurting animals 
. I'm all about innovation and progress, but also about being kind to our furry friends 
. It's time for us to level up and find new ways to do research that don't involve animal suffering 
It's about time we moved away from this outdated method that's causing so much suffering to innocent creatures 
. The use of AI and 3D bioprinting is a game-changer here - it's like, how cool is it that we can now simulate human organs on a chip? 