Arthropod vector containment: keeping the bugs in

Arthropod-borne pathogens have an impact on the health and well-being of humans and animals throughout the world. For example, malaria, caused by a mosquito-borne protozoan parasite, kills up to 3 million people each year. Research involving arthropod vectors of disease is often dependent on the ability to maintain the specific arthropod species in laboratory colonies—and preventing escapes is critical. Tabachnick reviews current arthropod containment practices and discusses their importance from public health and ecological perspectives. See page 28

Cage type affects behavioral test results

Similar to people who are used to taking a little coffee with their sugar, rats that have had experience drinking a high-sugar solution drink significantly less of a low-sugar solution than rats that have drunk only the low sugar option. This contrast effect occurs reliably when rats are housed in wire-bottom cages, but it occurs significantly less frequently when rats are housed in polycarbonate tubs. Although it is unclear what causes these differences, Wood et al. present a study that underscores the impact that housing conditions outside the domain of the training environment can have on behavioral outcomes. See page 34

Proper guidance simplifies intubation

Endrotracheal intubation is critical for some experimental studies in mice, but the animals' small size makes the procedure difficult. Zhao et al. describe a new, easy-to-learn retrograde intubation method using angioplasty guide wire. This technique allowed them to successfully intubate anesthetized mice twice with no airway complications caused by puncture of the trachea. See page 39