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Over 95% of the animals involved in biomedical research are mice. These animals are incredibly important models for human disease because 85% of the genes that drive biological function in people and mice are identical, so genetic contributions to human disease can be strongly inferred by manipulating mouse genes. Large litters and short lifespans (about 2 years) also give us a unique opportunity to study disease and age progression across hundreds of mice in a single study. It's hard to overstate the value of research mice for understanding health and disease in people and other animals, but there are variables lurking within them that can throw study findings into a tailspin if we aren't watching. What are these "reproducibility" snatchers? And how can we manage them to drive the strongest science possible? Todd Little, an expert in mouse models of human disease, will give us the RAW Truth today - on GetReal!

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About half of the studies published from research with animals are questionable because they can't be replicated. The research community has been trying to rein this unacceptable manifestation of sloppy science practices in for over a decade with limited success. A good deal of focus has been placed on strong, unbiased study design and complete, transparent reporting of findings. But no one is talking about the most central feature of all of these studies - the research animals themselves. How do their personal experiences and welfare impact research findings and contribute to this ongoing "reproducibility crisis"? And what factors should we be tracking to improve animal welfare, scientific integrity and hope for the sick and dying? Dr. Jeremy Turner, a researcher with decades of experience studying research animals,  joins us today to share his experiences and offer solutions.

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1.    We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research. 

2.    We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals. 

3.    We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals. 

4.    We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.

These commitments to transparent, open communication with the public about animal research were launched in the UK by Understanding Animal Research in 2014. There are currently 127 signatories across every sector of research on this agreement. And many countries, including New Zealand, have followed their lead. But not the United States – because the leadership of extreme animal rights groups like PETA and the White Coat Waste Project won’t allow the research community here to speak freely with the public, politicians, lawmakers, or the media. They have bullied the research community into submission and deliberately manipulated and controlled the narrative with the public for decades. We are now so lost in the details of our arguments that we can’t see the truth that joins us – we all love animals and we would all rather they weren’t still necessary for biomedical progress. What do we have to do to leave this ball of confusion behind us so we can move forward, in love and compassion, for animals and people? Our guests today will show us the way.   

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I am a firm believer in transparency - in all things, but especially biomedical research with animals. Animals didn’t sign up for their involvement in this work and the people who love them are constantly asking for explanations that are answered by special interest groups that oppose research with animals, no matter the cost to us and our loved ones. Most of the information shared by these groups is misleading or entirely fabricated. And while they spread false narratives about the need for animals in research and how they are treated, the research community is mostly silent. It has been this way for decades. But why? And how will we, the general public, ever truly be able to make informed decisions about funding this work for the treatments and cures we need if we never get the full story? How will we ever be directly involved in shaping our own medical future if we can’t have open discussions about what we need and what we don’t when it comes to animals in research? Is there a way out of this impasse between the research and animal rights communities that will free us all to communicate openly about how to move forward with love and compassion for animals and people? Joining us today to explore this on a very personal level is Dr. Jodi Salinsky, a pioneer for openness and transparency about research with animals in New Zealand. Let the discussion begin.

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Texas A&M University has endured several years of harassment and intimidation by PETA and their followers, including Sir Paul McCartney, based on claims made by PETA about how dogs involved in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research are treated at this university. And, while many of us support research aimed at improving the lives of children and dogs affected by this devastating and terminal disease, we are also animal lovers who struggle in our hearts with what we've been told by PETA. I think concerns about animal welfare in research are both legitimate and loving; and I think we should know what these animals experience for the benefit of others. Our guest today is a veterinarian who worked directly with the DMD dogs, their caregivers and the research team at Texas A&M University. Today you will hear what few people can or will share about the experiences of these animals, so you can assess your beliefs and values within the full context of reality and truth. Given what we learned in our last episode from Trina and Pam, both mothers of boys with DMD, there's a lot to consider.

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Is it ethical to do biomedical research with animals to improve the health of others? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and other groups that oppose studies of this kind, are unequivocal in their belief that it is not. These groups continue to have a powerful influence over the feelings and beliefs of millions of people worldwide, including celebrities, lawmakers, educators, and media reporters with their own spheres of influence over public opinion. And their guidance may not serve us all equally. Our guests today are Trina and Pam, both mothers of sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) - and both animal lovers. As you will hear, research on DMD with animals is important to them for a variety of reasons. Is it possible to love animals and also support their use in biomedical research? We know what PETA believes, but are unequivocal positions about the ethics of animal research realistic for the rest of us? Please drop me a line after the episode at: getrealpodcast.info. I’d love to know your thoughts.

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Most of us love animals. So, when someone tells us that animals are being tormented for pointless experiments, by monsters who view them as objects rather than the precious, living beings they are, we get angry! And we take whatever action we can to stop them. But what if none of that is really true? What if research with animals is not pointless. What if research animals are, actually, treated with compassion, respect and gratitude?

What if our love for animals has been exploited to manipulate us to carry out the agenda of a few…at the expense of ourselves and our loved ones? 

Joining us today to explore this on a very personal level is Dr. David Jentsch, a prominent brain researcher who suffered years of attacks by a movement that either doesn’t understand the dangerous consequences of its actions…or doesn’t care. 

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Millions of Americans struggle with substance abuse - at great cost to themselves, their loved ones, and society overall. It's a huge burden that we can't address effectively until we can characterize it fully. Is addiction a choice-based societal problem? Or is it a biologically driven health crisis? And how can research with animals inform therapeutic strategies for what seems to be a purely human phenomenon? Joining us today to discuss this and more is Dr. Edythe London, a pioneer in addiction research and treatment strategies, who continues to risk her own personal safety to reduce the suffering of others.

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In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor Dr. Elisabeth Murray for her foundational brain research with monkeys, and counter PETA's claims about her pioneering work...with the facts. Thank you, Dr. Elisabeth Murray!

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Is research on one disease more essential than another? Or do they all matter? What is the relevance of "basic research" in developing treatments and cures for every disease? Today we will join Liviya and Brian Anderson on a breathtaking family journey across ten years of living with, what one doctor called, Liviya's "sleeping demon". We'll experience a range of emotions together, but none as strongly as...hope.

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