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Nature 444, 981 (21 December 2006) | doi:10.1038/444981a; Published online 21 December 2006

Open Innovation Challenges

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Animal experiments under fire for poor design

Jim Giles

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Critics say trials do not translate well into human studies.

In the contentious world of animal research, one question surfaces time and again: how useful are animal experiments as a way to prepare for trials of medical treatments in humans? The issue is crucial, as public opinion is behind animal research only if it helps develop better drugs.