Volume 23: No. 2, February 2009

Nonhuman Animal Research DVD Released

by Sangeeta Panicker

The APA Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (CARE) has released a DVD containing two new segments in its video series on the contributions of nonhuman animal research within basic and applied behavioral science. One segment, Recovery of Function, highlights research on learning and plasticity, focusing on the recovery of motor functions lost as the result of neural damage following injury to the brain or spinal cord.

The second segment, on the Significance of Touch, examines nonhuman animal research that reveals the primary role of physical touch and contact in healthy behavioral development throughout the lifespan.

The DVD also includes an older segment, previously released on VHS, entitled Psychopharmacology. This segment features nonhuman animal research on the nature and mechanisms of the effects of psychoactive drugs as well as the development of treatments for drug abuse.

The DVDs, which are appropriate for high school and introductory undergraduate classes, can be used to initiate discussions on the relevance and ethics of research with nonhuman animals. Teachers’ study guides that elaborate on the research depicted in each of the three segments are included in the DVD.  Each segment has a running time of approximately 15 minutes.

Copies of the DVD can be obtained by emailing the Science Directorate or calling 202-336-6000.