Examples of the 3Rs

Refinement

Tunnel handling

We have taken on the refined methods relating to how to pick up a mouse following a study led by Professor Jane Hurst at the University of Liverpool.

This method is now successfully used by our technical staff and researchers at the University of Leicester and we are proud to show how this method is carried out within our facility.

Skin swabbing

A study into quantifying the potential of skin swabbing for DNA sampling of laboratory fish has been funded by the NC3Rs which, if proven, will help to refine the current process where DNA is collected via fin clipping.

Replacement

Pig spleens 

A study led by researchers from University of Leicester and Leicester’s Hospitals provides useful information for improving our understanding of infections such as pneumonia and sepsis by replacing the use of protected animals in research with abattoir-sourced pig spleens.

Neurofunctional studies of vertebrate dopamine signalling

Neurons of the mesodopamine system regulate voluntary motor behaviour and reward prediction, and are severely disrupted in disorders such as Schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Data derived from this project will improve understanding of zebrafish dopamine circuits and will be used as a framework for developing ethically superior models of dopamine diseases.

Neurodegeneration studies in the fruit fly

Invertebrate models such as the fruitfly play a significant role in replacing, refining and reducing the emphasis on mice, and have provided considerable molecular insight into these diseases. Learn more about the study led by researchers at the University of Leicester.