Why are some mammals used in laboratory studies?

Mammals are frequently used in laboratory studies primarily due to their significant biological and genetic similarities to humans. Because all mammals share common ancestors and possess similar organ systems that function in essentially the same way, they are susceptible to many of the same illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This biological likeness allows researchers to use them as models to study disease progression and evaluate the safety and efficacy of new treatments before human trials.123

Additionally, many laboratory mammals, particularly mice and rats, have short life cycles. This enables scientists to observe the effects of genetic modifications or long-term treatments across an entire lifespan or multiple generations in a relatively short period, which would be impossible with human subjects.132

While animal research has been fundamental to medical breakthroughs like vaccines and antibiotics, it remains a subject of intense ethical debate. Critics emphasize the sentience of these animals and advocate for the "three Rs" principle—replacement, reduction, and refinement—to minimize or eliminate animal suffering and usage. Supporters maintain that such research is essential for scientific progress and must be conducted under strict regulatory oversight to ensure humane treatment.32