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Animals are a huge part of our daily lives. They provide food and clothing. They offer us companionship. They have been used for transport, farming, and construction. They protect us from other animals and our environment. They provide assistance when we are disabled. They help ensure that food, medicines, and the environment are safe for both us and our animal companions. Think of a world with no animals other than humans—it would be very stark, indeed.

Animals also serve an important role in research. Without animal research, people and animals all over the world would suffer from a range of illnesses and conditions.

Animal welfare affects everyone. This website shows you how animals help scientists in research—and how research, in turn, helps animals.

From mice to dogs, pigs to electric eels, a variety of animal species contribute each year to medical breakthroughs that save millions of human lives each year. Through research on these animals, scientists have discovered cures and preventions for a number of human and animal ailments.
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The goal of animal research is to gain new knowledge with which to improve the future of people and animals. This section explains more about animal research and the research process.
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Through the similarities between humans and laboratory animals, we are learning more and more about our bodies and how they work. We are able to apply this knowledge not only to humans, but to our pets, wildlife, and other animals.
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Considering a career in biomedical research? This section describes the various exciting career options available.
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Want to learn more? This section contains links, classroom materials, and other information to get you started.
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How can we learn from medical research using animals and help humans?
There are many similarities between humans and various species of animals. For example, much of what we know about the immune system has come from studies with mice, and much of what we know about the heart and lungs of humans has come from studies with dogs. more...