Diabetes researchPETA and Diabetes ResearchWhy is the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) against diabetes research? This is because the vast majority of diabetes research uses animals as test subjects. PETA argues that animals should not be subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering. The group argues that diabetes research testing could be done with the help of computer models or simulations, as well as stem cells instead of using living animals. PETA is actually a pretty good organization; they dont just tell people not to use animals as subjects for diabetes research testings. In fact, PETA funds research involving finding alternatives to animal testing. In September 2007, PETA donated $120,000 to the Duluth Quantitative Structure Activity Research International Foundation to Reduce Animal Testing. In the last several years, PETA has given more than $760,000 as funding for alternative research methods. According to charity watchdogs, more than 80% of the money PETA has donated really did go directly to programs whose primary aim is to end the use of animals for testing purposes. So if we shouldn't use animals for diabetes research testing, what can we use? According to PETA, there are many different ways to test diabetes medications. There are scientists who still believe that animal testing is the only way to go for diabetes research. However, there are those who say that technology today is so advanced that there is no need for animal testing when it comes to diabetes research. Diabates research can use computer programs for testing. Computers today are extremely fast. There are computer programs available that can show how an animal would react to certain stimuli. Surgery students now commonly carry out their initial surgeries on computer pads that are similar to skin. We have virtual pets and even robotic dogs so why cant we create robotic patients and use them for diabetes research testing? Its a great way to go because it would mean we dont have to torture any animals. PETA also suggests that stem cells can be an alternative to testing animals for diabetes research. Stem cells are living cells but they do not have nerves so they technically shouldn't feel any pain or suffering. Still there is bound to be groups of people somewhere that is against experimenting on stem cells. In vitro testing is another alternative to animal testing. This option involves taking a piece of flesh or skin, putting it in a Petri dish and subjecting it to new chemicals or medications. This option is referred to as "in-vitro" because it was originally a technique developed in order to keep embryos alive outside the womb. If human tissue is used for diabetes testing research, ther is less chance of any complications being missed. |
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