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Predominantly, rodents, particularly mice, are utilized in scientific testing.
Predominantly, rodents, particularly mice, are utilized in scientific testing.

Experiments on Animals in Saxony: 2024 Sees a Third Fewer Approvals 🐰📜

Reducing Approved Animal Testing in Saxony by One Third in 2024 - Reduced approval of animal testing in Saxony by a third in 2024

Here's a fresh take on the recent reduction in animal experiments in Saxony:

Taking a stride towards ethical science, the number of approved animal experiments in 2024 has experienced a hefty drop by a third. In the previous year, the State Directorate of Saxony granted 138 approvals, while in 2024, only 91 applications were given the green light, with an additional 14 still awaiting decision. No rejections were reported.

Animal experimentation primarily serves three key purposes: basic research, bridging study findings from labs to clinical applications, and species conservation. It is also crucial for university training programs, such as in veterinary medicine.

A decrease in animal usage

In 2023, around 126,500 animals were used in experiments in the Free State, which represents a decrease of approximately 7,000 compared to 2022. This information comes from the German Center for the Protection of Experimental Animals, which has not yet released more recent data. Regrettably, the numbers of animals killed in these experiments remained similar at approximately 11,300.

In addition, around 109,000 animals were bred for scientific purposes but not utilized for their intended purpose, ultimately resulting in their termination, especially if they lacked a specific genetic modification. In comparison to 2022, there was a significant increase of 29,000 in such killings, with zebrafish being the most affected (around 57,300 in 2023, 36,000 in 2022).

Experiments were commonly conducted on mice and zebrafish

In Saxony, experiments were most frequently carried out on mice (112,000), followed closely by zebrafish (8,100). Other sets of experimental subjects included rats (1,500), pigs (2,500), and cattle (222). Furthermore, 11 dogs were among the experimental animals, primarily utilized for university education and training programs.

Researchers at TU Dresden performed the majority of the experiments

Researchers at TU Dresden were responsible for the most animal research in 2023, approximating around 91,000 animals subjected to experimentation and an estimated 4,000 terminated. For instance, researchers conducted experiments on pigs in a project aiming to optimize mechanical ventilation, a common method used in acute lung failure (ARDS) and severe COVID-19 cases.

In experiments with mice, a team demonstrated how certain body signals can contribute to colon cancer development by altering the gut.

Apart from TU Dresden, six other research institutions in Saxony conduct animal experiments, including: the Fraunhofer Institute, the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the State Office for Environment, Agriculture, and Geology, the LUPUS Institute for Wolf Monitoring and Research in Germany, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, and the University of Leipzig.

Saxony* Animal Experiment* TU Dresden

  1. The drop in approved animal experiments in 2024 signifies a move towards ethical science in Saxony.
  2. Basic research, bridging study findings, and species conservation are primary purposes of animal experimentation.
  3. University training programs, such as veterinary medicine, also benefit from animal experimentation.
  4. In 2023, around 7,000 fewer animals were used in experiments in Saxony compared to 2022.
  5. The German Center for the Protection of Experimental Animals has not yet released more recent data.
  6. Approximately 11,300 animals were killed in these experiments in 2023, with a similar number reported in 2022.
  7. Around 109,000 animals were bred but not used in 2023, leading to their termination.
  8. There was a significant increase of 29,000 in such killings in 2023, with zebrafish being the most affected.
  9. Mice and zebrafish were the most common experimental subjects in Saxony.
  10. Other experimental subjects included rats, pigs, cattle, and dogs.
  11. Researchers at TU Dresden were responsible for the majority of the experiments in 2023.
  12. Around 91,000 animals were subjected to experimentation at TU Dresden in 2023.
  13. A project at TU Dresden aimed to optimize mechanical ventilation for acute lung failure and severe COVID-19 cases.
  14. In experiments with mice, researchers at TU Dresden demonstrated how certain body signals contribute to colon cancer development.
  15. Six other research institutions in Saxony, aside from TU Dresden, conduct animal experiments.
  16. These institutions include the Fraunhofer Institute, the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the State Office for Environment, Agriculture, and Geology, the LUPUS Institute for Wolf Monitoring and Research in Germany, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, and the University of Leipzig.
  17. Research in these institutions focuses on various areas, including science, medicine, and environmental conservation.
  18. In the realm of science, research contributes to advancements in fields such as health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and environmental science.
  19. Mental health, men's health, and skin care are some areas of focus in medical-related research.
  20. Therapies and treatments, nutrition, and aging are also essential points of study in the medical field.
  21. Women's health, parenting, and weight management are critical areas of focus in the health-and-wellness industry.
  22. Climate change, cybersecurity, and finance are central topics in various industries, including technology, business, and personal finance.
  23. Space and astronomy, artificial intelligence, and relationships are subjects of interest in science, technology, and lifestyle.
  24. Fashion and beauty, food and drink, and education and self-development are areas where research can drive innovation and improvement.
  25. Shopping, social media, and entertainment are sectors where research can contribute to increased engagement and user experience.
  26. Political and social issues, such as crime and justice, accidents, and general news, are subjects of ongoing research and discussions.
  27. Celebrities, movies and TV, music, and pop culture are topics of interest in the entertainment industry.
  28. Sci-fi and fantasy, books, and travel are subjects of curiosity and exploration for many.
  29. Cars and cars' technology are areas of ongoing research and development, particularly for workplace-wellness and environmental-impact considerations.
  30. Veterinary research, supplements, sleep, and sexual health are important areas of study for maintaining and improving overall well-being.

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