5.1 Ethical issues in Neuroscience Flashcards
When should animal research be used? Why?
should only be used when there are no alternatives
- this is as there are strong ethical concerns
What are the three principles in animal research regulations from the home office?
- REPLACE: only use when necessary
- REFINE: minimise harm to animals
- REDUCE: use as few animals as possible
What things do you need to perform animal research?
- project license: have to justify use of animals
- establishment license: shows you have the facilities to conduct high quality and ethical research
What is AWERB?
animal welfare and ethical review body
- meet twice a year to ensure compliance with the law
What are PAAC1 and 2?
procedures on animals assessment committee
- reviews project license applicants before they go to the home office
What is 3Rs committee?
overseas mid term reviews of grants and promotes good practice
What is BSMD?
biological services management board
- ensures compliance with law, charges for animals, looking at the current and future estate
- conduct spot checks throughout the year
What is the national centre for the 3Rs?
funding body for country
- give grants to those who aim to comply to the 3Rs
What is CRISPR-CAS9 technology?
What are the concerns of it?
- allows alterations of specific parts of DNA in the genome
- could revolutionise the way we treat genetic diseases
CONCERNS:
- if done to an embryo could be passed through species which is dangerous
What is optogenetics?
What are the concerns?
- allows researchers to place opsins (proteins) into any cell in the brain
CONCERNS:
- uses viruses similar to the common cold
What are the medical research council guidelines?
- research excellence and integrity
- respect, ethics and professional standards
- honesty and transparency
- openness and accountability
What are 3 malpractices within research?
- fabrication
- falsification
- plagiarism
