Animals in Research
Q1: Do you think animals should be used in scientific research?
Answer:
This is a very controversial issue. On one hand, using animals in scientific research has contributed greatly to medical progress. For example, vaccines, antibiotics, and life-saving surgeries were all developed through animal testing. Without these experiments, many diseases would still be untreatable. On the other hand, animals are sentient beings, and many people believe it is unethical to make them suffer for human benefit. Today, there are alternatives such as computer modeling, stem cell research, and artificial organs, which can reduce or even replace animal testing. Personally, I think animals can be used in research only if it is absolutely necessary and if strict ethical standards are followed, such as minimizing pain and avoiding unnecessary experiments. Ideally, science should move towards alternatives, but for now, animal research still plays a role in protecting human health.
Vocabulary:
- Controversial → causing public disagreement
- Sentient beings → creatures capable of feeling pain and emotions
- Ethical standards → moral rules or guidelines
- Alternatives → other possible methods
- Minimizing pain → reducing suffering as much as possible
Q2: What are the alternatives to using animals in experiments?
Answer:
There are several promising alternatives to animal testing. One of the most advanced is computer simulation, which allows researchers to model how drugs or chemicals may interact with the human body. Another method is in vitro testing, which uses human cells and tissues grown in laboratories. This approach provides more accurate results than animal trials in many cases because it directly reflects human biology. Additionally, researchers are now developing “organs-on-chips,” tiny devices that mimic the functions of human organs, such as lungs or hearts. These innovations are not only more humane but also more cost-effective and efficient. However, they cannot yet replace animal testing entirely, particularly for understanding complex systems like the nervous system or whole-body reactions. Nevertheless, the progress in alternatives shows a clear direction: reducing animal use while improving the quality of scientific research.
Vocabulary:
- In vitro testing → experiments done in a lab with cells/tissues
- Organs-on-chips → miniature models of human organs
- Simulation → digital modeling of real-world processes
- Cost-effective → providing good results without being too expensive
- Whole-body reactions → how the entire body responds, not just single cells
Q3: How do people in your country feel about animal testing?
Answer:
In my country, opinions about animal testing are quite divided. Many people understand that animal experiments have played an important role in developing medicines and vaccines, particularly during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. These people believe that animal testing, while unfortunate, is a necessary sacrifice to save human lives. However, there is also a growing movement against animal cruelty, led by younger generations, animal rights activists, and even some scientists. They argue that with modern technology, there is no justification for continuing large-scale animal experiments. Social media has amplified this debate, with online campaigns and petitions urging companies to adopt cruelty-free practices. Overall, I would say public awareness is increasing, and people are more concerned about animal welfare now than in the past, although opinions are still mixed depending on education and values.
Vocabulary:
- Animal cruelty → mistreatment of animals
- Sacrifice → giving up something valuable for a greater cause
- Cruelty-free practices → not involving harm to animals
- Activists → people who campaign for change
- Amplified → made stronger or louder
Q4: Do you think animal testing will continue in the future?
Answer:
I believe animal testing will continue in the near future but will gradually decline as technology advances. At present, there are still some areas—such as neuroscience, toxicology, and vaccine development—where animals provide insights that cannot yet be replicated by machines or cell cultures. However, the trend is clearly moving towards reduction. Governments are introducing stricter regulations, universities are developing alternatives, and pharmaceutical companies are under pressure from the public to adopt cruelty-free policies. I think within the next few decades, animal research may become very rare, used only for extremely complex and life-threatening conditions. Eventually, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and lab-grown human tissues, animal testing could become obsolete. In short, it will not disappear overnight, but science is heading towards a more ethical and technologically advanced future.
Vocabulary:
- Decline → reduce in amount
- Toxicology → study of poisons and harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-free policies → rules avoiding animal harm
- Obsolete → no longer necessary or useful
- Breakthroughs → major scientific discoveries