AIU Testing Alzheimer Treatments in Animals The AD Continuum Discussion

Assignment Details

Animal Testing

Humans use animals for all sorts of things, like food, of course, and companionship. They harvest all sorts of animal products from wool and leather to glue and even heart valves. Animals are used for many different services: guard dogs, therapy animals, truffle-hunting pigs, polo ponies, and so on. In 1933, more than a dozen women went blind after using Lash Lure mascara (National Academy Press, 2004). The compounds in this product literally burned their eyes and resulted in blindness and even death in one case. This led to the use of animals for safety testing of cosmetics. Today, animal testing for safety and efficacy of drugs, sweeteners, food additives, and medical treatments is commonplace. These uses are controversial, however, not only because the animals may suffer during the process and are often euthanized at the end of a test, but because even closely related mammals do not respond to drugs or toxins the same way humans do much of the time. Mice models are often used for safety testing, but they may not be the best choice.

This video may help you decide: Should We Trust Studies On Mice?

Use this article to help shape your opinion on animal testing: 14 Pros and Cons of Animal Research

Now choose ONE of the following topics:

• Volkswagen exhaust testing on monkeys
• Testing the safety of cosmetics
• Alzheimer’s treatments tested in animals

Answer the following four questions as they relate to your chosen topic:

1. Explain the rationale and main benefit of the testing process you chose.
2. Debate whether this use of animals is necessary or worthwhile.
3. Is there an alternative to this testing?
4. Is there some animal that it is okay to test on—insects, worms, fish, mice, and so on? Where do you draw the line?

Use at least 1 credible source to support the arguments presented in your post.

References

Ayres, C. (2019). 14 pros and cons of animal research. Retrieved from: https://vittana.org/14-pros-and-cons-of-animal-res…

Engbretson, M. (2014). Seventy years is enough: It’s time to put the Draize Test out of its misery. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/monica-engebretson/…

Ewing, J. (2018). 10 Monkeys and a Beetle: Inside VW’s Campaign for ‘Clean Diesel’. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/25/world/europe/vo…

Kane, C. (2017). The most promising research in Alzheimer’s disease is conducted with animal models. Retrieved from https://fbresearch.org/promising-research-alzheime…

Seeker. (2014, December 1). Should we trust studies on mice? [Video file]. Retrieved from

In your own words, post a response to the Discussion Board, and comment on at least 2 other postings. You will be graded on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

Discussion Board Reminders:

• Must have three posts: A Main Post and two replies to peers.
  • First post: Either your main post or a reply to others must be posted before midnight CT (Central time) on Friday of each week.
  • Second and third post: Must be posted on a different day from the first post.
• Connect to Content: At least one post must refer to course learning materials. See the Academic Resource on Discussion Boards for help with connecting to the content.
• Engaging in Class Discussions: For more information on making the most of your class dialog, review the Academic Resource on Discussion Boards.

Grading Rubric

Assignment Criteria	Proficient Descriptor	Points
Quality of Main Post 27 Points Total	Student’s main post meets or exceeds the following requirements Responds completely to all of parts of discussion question. (7 points) Communicates content information accurately and/or logically (7 points) Delivers a thoughtful response demonstrating insights and reflections (7 points) Connects to both key content concepts and personal experiences (6 points)	/27 pts.
Response to Peers 24 Points Total	• Responds to a minimum of 2 peers. (12 points per response) Substantive response (6 points) Furthers the conversation with peers. Examples could include: (6 points) Provides additional resources Connects to key concepts Shares personal or professional experiences Contributes new information or perspective Presents a competing viewpoint	/24 pts.
Support from Learning Resources 4 Points Total	At least one post refers to course learning resources.	/4 pts.
Professional Writing 5 Points Total	Response is well-organized, clear and free of grammatical and mechanical errors. Posts demonstrate courtesy and respect for others.	/5 pts.
Total		/60 pts.