Good news for a change

[envisionary333]

Better lab testing may end use of animals - More Health News - MSNBC.com

[envisionary333]

However, the phrase "animal testing will still be needed" is extremely frustrating. Animal testing is morally wrong and absolutely not "necessary" or justifiable. There are ways around it, as this article proves, and they need to be federally funded so that we can end animal testing altogether. If it was taken as necessary that animals not be harmed, we would have solved this issue already. We overcome these kinds of obstacles by putting more people to work with more resources. If the government made it a priority that animals remain unharmed, I'm positive that other methods of safety testing would already be up and running right now. It's not an issue of limited technology or scientific capacity, it is an issue of willpower. Once there is the willpower to make animals rights a priority, the rest will follow.

[Alusdra]

They already do use cell lines in many different kinds of research from toxicity to cancer. It is much more effective in many (but not all) avenues as you can do much higher volumes of tests more quickly and thus have more (statistically) significant data. Most if not all places that use animal testing require the researchers to look into alternative testing methods already. I believe it is in the regulations, though where you can find that online I'm not sure. At least in the US anyway.

[envisionary333]

I am glad to hear that! I just feel that new technology tends to create a more convenient life for humans while completely overlooking the impact it has on animals. Since new alternatives for animal testing are more effective and more accurate, though, this is a win-win scenario for humans and animals! I hope that animal testing is eliminated soon. I do wonder, though, if new testing methods were made with only accuracy and efficiency in mind, with the lessened dependence on animals nothing more than an after-thought. Does that make sense? I mean it will produce the same wonderful effects either way, but I would like to see reduced animal cruelty a priority as well.
Sorry if my answer is broad. I realize that I do not have the complete knowledge of the specifics, and this is a very general and potentially inaccurate observation. I am interested to hear any info that will help fill in the details!