To protect against a possible resurgence of smallpox, the US government is funding research to improve treatments and vaccines. And since it's unethical to expose people to a highly lethal virus, labs are using monkeys as research subjects. But is it right to harm these animals to protect humanity from a potential threat? Rebecca L. Walker takes a look at this classic ethical dilemma. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Sharon Colman, narrated by Alexandra Panzer and the music is by Miguel d'Oliveira.

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