31. 01. 2025
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They are the silent heroes of scientific research. Their contribution to understanding disease, developing treatments and improving the quality of human life is invaluable. We approach them with great respect, the utmost humility, and care!
Despite the current possibilities of advanced technology and modern laboratory approaches, science cannot yet do without laboratory animals. The choice of animals is guided by the aim of the research – mice, laboratory rats or fish are most often used to find new drugs and study genes, diseases and physiological functions. Mice and rats are suitable model organisms because they have a high reproductive potential, their breeding is economically viable and, above all, they have over 95% of the same genes as humans. All experiments, including breeding and working with laboratory animals, are governed by the State Veterinary Administration’s stringent legislative requirements and regulations. An institutional veterinarian supervises compliance with these regulations.
However, in basic biomedical research, we primarily work with molecules, cells or 3D cell models (organoids) representing a living organ system. Unfortunately, in some respects, these structures cannot replace a real living organism.
Laboratory animals are irreplaceable helpers for us, helping us to find new therapeutic and diagnostic possibilities that we hope will, in the near future, help to cure previously untreatable or difficult-to-treat diseases not only in human medicine but also in veterinary medicine.