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Virtual fish could reduce animal testing
Image rainbow trout
Previously, the university has managed to form a ball of liver cells from rainbow trout.

Plymouth scientists hope to reduce testing on live fish

A virtual fish is being developed at Plymouth University with hopes of reducing the need to test on live animals.

Scientists believe the virtual fish could be useful for studying the risks of man-made chemicals in the environment. Leading the project, Professor Awadhesh Jha says traditionally, live animals are used for this.

"For ethical and legal reasons, there has been much emphasis on the use of cells, tissues and organs grown outside the body," he explains.

Plymouth scientists will look at how well the virtual fish compares to testing on a live animal. It is thought just a few live fish could generate enough cells for the amount of testing needed.

The project has been awarded a grant of £600,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Natural Environmental Research Council and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Previously, the university has managed to form a ball of liver cells from rainbow trout. Plymouth researchers say this ball gives a more accurate picture of how an animal's body would respond to a chemical in the environment, than cells grown in a laboratory.

Scientists will now work on developing the technique using cells from the gut and gills of fish. The model was developed by PhD student Matthew Baron, as part of a project led by Prof Jha.

"We have already demonstrated that using fish liver cells maintains basic biochemical functions, can metabolise environmentally relevant contaminants and therefore has the potential to replace whole animal tests," said Prof Jha.

"Since billions of cells from several different organs can be harvested from a single fish, it means that far fewer fish will be used in research, and those that are will not be used directly in experiments."

UK Government figures show nearly 59,000 live fish were used for research testing environmental pollutants in 2011. Strict government rules mean the number of products that will need testing globally could translate into millions of live animals in coming years.

The three-year project began this month and research will be conducted at Plymouth University in collaboration with AstraZeneca.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.