Apparently there is research into making a chip that will replace
lab animals. The chip will look like a microscope slide but with
hundreds of tiny white dots that have human cell cultures and
enzymes. What its suppose to do is act like a humans reaction
to something that could be contain toxic chemical compounds. If
it works then there may be no need for rats and mice in labs. And
we wont have to test drugs and make-up on test animals.
Other alternatives to animal testing are synthetic skin and
computer simulations. Going back to the chips they could have different
body cultures all smashed down together to act like a persons body to
the different chemicals or products being tested. And if any of the
cells die or don't continue to grow then that would be some proof
that something toxic was present.
I think this is a good thing so now we won't have to test things on animals
and I think it would be easier to see the effects of a compound on a cellular
level. That way you can see how it reacts to cells step by step. As with in
animal testing you may not be able to see how something is reacting until
you test the subject. I'm not a scientist or anything but thats my opinion.
