Spreading the word about biomedical research

Most laboratory science professionals love what they do, but they may not realize how important it is to talk with others about their work. People who aren't familiar with what goes on in the lab may be easily influenced by animal rights propaganda, and a negative public opinion will directly affect research funding and legislation. Many organizations work to protect scientific progress by educating the public, the media and policy makers about the importance of humane and responsible animal research. Lab Animal presents a few of the US and UK organizations that that are dedicated to public outreach and advocacy. See page 501

Coturnix as an animal model

The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a valuable animal model for studies of developmental biology, aging and disease. Huss et al. describe the uses of Japanese quail in numerous fields of research and present detailed guidelines for raising these birds in the laboratory. See page 513

Hunting for Helicobacter

Many facilities use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect Helicobacter infections in mouse colonies. Studies have shown, however, that PCR detection ability may vary considerably among laboratories. Moerth, Mahabir and colleagues carried out a 3-year ring study to evaluate the ability of nine commercial and academic European labs to detect Helicobacter in fecal pellets. The study consisted of four rounds in which labs tested mouse fecal samples spiked with different strains of Helicobacter. Though labs' detection capabilities were initially spotty, PCR sensitivity and specificity improved substantially over the course of the study. See page 521

Murine liver resection

The technique of partial hepatectomy is widely used in rodent models of liver regeneration and cell cycle dynamics in vivo. Boyce and Harrison present a safe and straightforward method of partial hepatectomy in the mouse. See page 529