Topics in focus

Here we offer an overview of selected articles from the science magazine BfR2GO on the subject of the protection of laboratory animals. Semi-annually the magazine provides information on new developments in evaluation and research in consumer health protection in a compact and comprehensible form.

Discover more articles in the science magazine BfR2Go

Tissue cultures intended to ?simulate? pregnancy and enable testing of potentially risky chemicals ? without animal experiments.

Most laboratory animals are not used in experiments at all. What can be done to reduce their number?

Centrosomes direct cell division and ensure that each cell carries the same genetic material. Hormones or hormone-like substances can disrupt this process ? thus promoting cancer.

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment () has been publishing the annual laboratory animal statistics since 2021.

Over 60 years ago, two British researchers drew up basic principles for working with laboratory animals. Their thinking has now become a key concept of research in the form of the ?3Rs principles?.

Putting the animal first: private lecturer Dr. Bettina Bert on the legal changes governing the approval of experiments.

Dr. Frank Schulze grows bone-forming cells on plastic chips. These ?organoids?, which are only a few millimetres in size, can help replace animal experiments.

Hormones are essential, actually. But an excess can be harmful. scientist Dr. Sebastian Dunst and his team have developed an animal-free test method that can detect the undesired hormonal effects of chemicals.

How clever are rodents? Knowing the answer can also improve the welfare of laboratory animals.

For cells to function properly: the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals at the is investigating how the internal clock can be used to replace animal experiments.

Research for animal welfare: biologist Dr. Nils Ohnesorge is investigating how zebrafish embryos react to unpleasant stimuli.

The roundworm C. elegans is transparent and tiny. In the wild, it lives in compost. In the laboratory, it might help to replace elaborate animal experiments.

The Animal Study Registry is intended to make science more transparent and to increase the protection of laboratory animals Over 60 years ago, two British researchers drew up basic principles for working with laboratory animals. Their thinking has now become a key concept of research in the form of the ?3Rs principles?.

Professor Dr. Lars Lewejohann conducts research into the behaviour of laboratory animals at the . His goal is better living conditions for the animals ? and better science at the same time.

A large group of experts supports the National Committee

The research funding programme supports external projects focusing on the development of innovative alternative methods to animal experiments. Eight projects received funding approval in 2017.

Scientists at the are using high-resolution microscopes to examine how oestrogen-like substances alter the body?s cells. This research also serves to replace animal experiments.

How an animal experiment is authorised

Deutsches Zentrum zum Schutz von Versuchstieren Address: Diedersdorfer Weg 1
12277 Berlin
Deutschland Postal address: Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung
Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10
Berlin 10589
Deutschland Telephone: 030-18412-29001 030-18412-29001 E-mail: bf3r@bfr.bund.de

Topics in focus

Our Science Magazine

Understanding the beginning (BfR2GO 2/2023)

Even the surplus animals count (BfR2GO 1/2023)

Aberrant mitosis (BfR2GO 1/2022)

Where it counts (BfR2GO 1/2022)

Mouse welfare principle (BfR2GO 2/2021)

Interview with Dr. Bettina Bert (BfR2GO 2/2021)

Miniature bones (BfR2GO 1/2021)

Revealing bubbles (BfR2GO 2/2020)

Tinkering mice (BfR2GO 2/2020)

Rhythmic detoxification (BfR2GO 1/2020)

When in doubt, for the fish (BfR2GO 1/2020)

Insights into the worm (BfR2GO 2/2019)

Better for man and mouse (BfR2GO 2/2019)

Understanding Mice (BfR2GO 1/2019)

Quick advice for animal welfare (BfR2GO 1/2019)

Less suffering? for humans and animals (BfR2GO 2/2018)

Hormone traces in the nano-world (BfR2GO 2/2018)

Strict review process (BfR2GO 2/2018)

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