The 3Rs: alternatives and innovation in animal research

Antibodies are a key part of the biologists’ toolbox. Each antibody binds to a specific protein allowing scientists to ‘see’ that protein in cells or tissues. This is critical for many experiments and to diagnose disease in patients. Making antibodies usually involves immunising an animal with the target protein and collecting the produced antibodies from the blood. Hear from PhD student Izzie Gibson about her research developing Affimer proteins – these can be made in the lab without animals and have the potential to replace animal-derived antibodies in clinical and research diagnostics.

Did you know humans, mice and fruit flies have thousands of genes in common? PhD student Jen Ogbeta is using genetically altered flies, which share the same mutations as patients, to replace mice in neuroscience research. The flow of charged ions across cells produces electrical activity, which is required for nerve cells to talk to other cells. Mutations in a gene responsible for the transport of ions interferes with this movement, affecting normal brain function and leading to neurodevelopmental disorders in all three species.