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Some experiments involving animals require greater scrutiny, say scientists

BMJ 2011; 343 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d4730 (Published 25 July 2011) Cite this as: BMJ 2011;343:d4730
  1. Matthew Limb
  1. 1London

UK scientists are calling for a new body of experts to be set up to advise on “sensitivities” raised by a fast moving area of biomedical research—the use of animals containing human material.

A report by the Academy of Medical Sciences says rapidly developing techniques will soon test the boundaries of what the public finds acceptable.

A working group of scientists looked into the scientific, social, ethical, safety, and regulatory aspects of research using animals containing human material.

It says that most experiments on animals designed to improve human health or combat disease do not pose new ethical concerns or need extra regulation.

But it says two categories of research require further scrutiny from the proposed new national body that should advise the Home Office within the existing framework of legislation. …

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