UK Science Minister Unveils Plan to Speed Up Animal Testing Phase-out via AI and 3D Bioprinting
A new plan aimed at reducing animal testing in scientific research has been unveiled by the UK's science minister, Patrick Vallance. The strategy focuses on increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of data about molecules and predict their safety for human exposure, as well as leveraging 3D bioprinted tissues that mimic human organs using real human cells.
The government has committed to developing new methods such as organ-on-a-chip systems, which can replicate how human organs function. This technology is expected to replace animal tests in the assessment of skin and eye irritation by the end of 2026. The plan also aims to phase out regulatory testing on animals for assessing skin sensitization by 2027.
Additionally, researchers will no longer be required to test the strength of botulinum toxin on mice by 2027, while pharmacokinetic studies – which track how a drug moves through the body over time – on dogs and non-human primates are expected to be reduced by 2030.
Lord Vallance described the plan as an "ambition" to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives as soon as they become safe and effective. The strategy has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, with one organization stating that it sets a clear ambition towards eliminating animal use in scientific research and will create a foundation for accelerating the replacement of animals.
The government's plan acknowledges that phasing out animal testing is only possible when reliable alternatives can be developed with equivalent safety for human exposure. New funding for researchers and streamlined regulations are expected to support the development of these alternative methods.
A new plan aimed at reducing animal testing in scientific research has been unveiled by the UK's science minister, Patrick Vallance. The strategy focuses on increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of data about molecules and predict their safety for human exposure, as well as leveraging 3D bioprinted tissues that mimic human organs using real human cells.
The government has committed to developing new methods such as organ-on-a-chip systems, which can replicate how human organs function. This technology is expected to replace animal tests in the assessment of skin and eye irritation by the end of 2026. The plan also aims to phase out regulatory testing on animals for assessing skin sensitization by 2027.
Additionally, researchers will no longer be required to test the strength of botulinum toxin on mice by 2027, while pharmacokinetic studies – which track how a drug moves through the body over time – on dogs and non-human primates are expected to be reduced by 2030.
Lord Vallance described the plan as an "ambition" to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives as soon as they become safe and effective. The strategy has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, with one organization stating that it sets a clear ambition towards eliminating animal use in scientific research and will create a foundation for accelerating the replacement of animals.
The government's plan acknowledges that phasing out animal testing is only possible when reliable alternatives can be developed with equivalent safety for human exposure. New funding for researchers and streamlined regulations are expected to support the development of these alternative methods.
and i gotta say, its pretty cool. they're trying to use ai and 3d bioprinting to speed up animal testing phase-out. like, who doesn't love animals? 
anyway, the idea of using organ-on-a-chip systems is pretty wild. imagine being able to test skin irritation without having to torture mice 
finally, a country taking animal welfare super seriously! i mean, we've all seen those cute pics of lab mice with sad little faces but like, who wouldn't want to see them happy and free? 
it's like, the future is now, ai and 3d bioprinting are gonna save us animals 
I'm all for this move! It's like, we've got AI and 3D bioprinting now, so why not use them to save animals? 
The plan sounds pretty ambitious, but it's also super realistic. I mean, who doesn't want to reduce animal testing, right? 
And let's be real, the tech is there – organ-on-a-chip systems are a thing now! It's like we're already halfway there... 
Still, it's gonna take time and effort to get there. But if we can make it happen, it'll be a win for science, animals, and everyone else too! 
It makes total sense that we'd want to prioritize alternative methods that are safer for humans.
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! They're really pushing the boundaries of tech to save those poor animals 
. I mean, 3D bioprinted tissues that mimic human organs using real human cells? Mind blown 
! It's about time we transition to more humane methods in sci research 
I mean, think about it - AI and 3D bioprinting can revolutionize the way we test medicines and treatments without needing animals at all. It's like a whole new world of possibilities! And let's be real, who doesn't want to see those adorable lab mice get some extra love and attention? They're not just guinea pigs for our sake (no pun intended 
It's about time we find more humane ways to test new meds and tech. The 3D bioprinting idea is wild, like something out of a sci-fi movie 
. Can't they just stick with the basic Arial or Helvetica like everyone else? I mean, do we really need 17 different fonts to choose from? It's just going to give me a headache trying to read through all that nonsense.