Chimp Experiments

Chimp Experiments
Would you like to be tested on? No. So why should chimps, out closest primate relative, be tested on? Chimps that have been unofficially retired from being tested on for 10 years have been reintroduced to the practices. We read an article about it for homework, and it was very hard to pick a side: either have chimps being tested on and save some lives, or do not have chimps tested on, yet people will die? It seems the answer should be obvious, but other people advocate for the chimps' side, such as Jane Goodall, who talked about how the chimps are older, and wouldn't it be wise to fully retire them now? Thank goodness I am not the one to make this decision, because I really couldn't. I do not agree with animal testing or animal cruelty in any way. However, if this research cannot be done in any other way, and if it saves numerous lives, you could argue that the chimps are giving their lives for the good of the people. Of course, thier consent was not asked for. So, for the lives of the many people who will benefit from the research, I think animal testing, but only for diseases and such, should continue. But please, please, let the animals have a better life while they are being tested on! These creatures are living in a black metal cage- not only does this effect the health and well-being of the animals, but of the outcome of the experiment!

HIV: Where Did it Come From?

Do you know how HIV, a virus that can lead to Aids and be deadly, started? And more importantly, do you know how it can be prevented? These are questions you should ask yourself. If you don't know, stay tuned, because the information could save your life.

TED Talks: Viral Pandemics Nathan Wolfe. This is a video clip my class watched last week. I encourage you to see it for yourself on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMEPV-NTeZs. It started in Africa. In chimpanzees. We learned that native tribes, who hunt bushmeat, and often primates, for food, and these creatures can have HIV. Bushmeat, if you don't know, is animals that live in the forest that you just go into the jungle and hunt for, or set traps for.  It sounds cruel and awful, especially killing primates, but it is unfortunately the only source of food for many people.

HIV has spread around the globe. The good news, however, is that Nathan Wolfe has started taking blood tests of the animals so people won't eat dangerous meat. On the other hand, his research has shown that there are also new viruses, and that some are able to jump from animals to people. Not literally jump, but are transferable. Another piece of good news is that Wolfe is monitoring the viruses- keeping track of viral movement so hopefully that will offer new insights to ways to prevent HIV. His valiant goal is to help prevent the spread of viruses, and to be able to monitor it at a global level.

To prevent the spreading of HIV, we need to provide the people who hunt for bushmeat a new food source. Not only will this help the people, but it will help the chimpanzees, too, as they will be less likely to be extinct. The number one way to stay safe is to not draw blood.