What types of animals are involved in research?
The University of St Andrews carries out research with animals under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act (ASPA), 1986. Find out more about the purpose of research involving animals.
In 2020, most of these animals were rodents, predominantly mice (73.4%), and birds (11.4%). Our research also involves rats, frogs, fish, and seals. The information provided below is about the animals that were involved in regulated procedures.
However, some research performed by our researchers involves studying these or other animals in their natural environment or in zoos.
We apply the same standards regardless of whether our researchers are working with animals in an aquarium, a laboratory, or involved with conservation work in the field. In addition, ethical approval may still be required for research using videos and data previously collected of animals.
-
Birds are useful for understanding how the brain, the body and behaviour all connect. The aim is to better understand the mechanisms behind complex patterns of animal behaviour.
This type of research can also be used to improve bird welfare. We study several different bird species to understand how these mechanisms interact to affect the ability to respond to challenges, such as climate change, stress and human caused disturbances.
What do we study?
Our research uses different techniques to gain a greater understanding of complex patterns of animal behaviour. We research bird species in both the field and laboratory in our research.
Our research integrates different approaches, including:
- behavioural
- physiological (how the body functions)
- endocrine, and neuroendocrine (hormone)
-
Research involving fish may be performed in an aquarium or in the field.
Often fish research at St Andrews is observational. For instance, archerfish may be studied to see how they use water jets to shoot at targets. The accuracy with which they do this has made them a model system in visual learning. We study their behaviour to understand how this adaptation has interacted with their learning.
At St Andrews, we also research zebrafish to investigate how the brain produces behaviour. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we look at how the fishes' movements are generated and adjusted to meet their needs.
The zebrafish is suitable for genetic studies, and is useful for creating models of human diseases.
Zebrafish have many features which make it a good model for studying development in vertebrates:
- The embryos grow outside the mother and are transparent, so are easily viewed.
- The organization of the zebrafish embryo is relatively simple, and they develop quickly.
- Zebrafish grow to adulthood and can breed within a few months.
- They also produce large numbers of eggs – a female zebrafish can lay up to 200 a week.
Information adapted from AnimalResearch.info
-
Why do we use mice?
In 2020, at the University of St Andrews 73.4 % of animals in research are mice.
Research involving mice can provide understanding on how the brain controls:
- the molecular basis of neuropeptide signalling (small signalling proteins) in both normal reproductive function and conditions leading to infertility
- movement with a focus on motor systems of the brainstem and spinal cord in their normal 'healthy' state and when they are affected by conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
Mice make good models for human conditions as:
- the organization of their DNA and the expression of their genes are very similar to humans.
- their reproductive and nervous systems are like those of humans, and they can experience many of the same diseases such as diabetes.
- mice have a short life span and fast reproductive rate which makes it possible to study biological processes in many areas, at all stages of the life cycle.
- mice also provide a useful model for understanding how genes regulate processes in the body, because the effect changing a particular gene can be seen on the whole organism. This facilitates the study of human physiology and human diseases.
Information adapted from AnimalResearch.info
What do we study?
Research involving mice may be used at the interface of cellular biology, pharmacology, and physiology (how the body works). This research is used to determine the mechanisms behind conditions such as heart disease, MND and infertility.
To understand and treat these diseases and injuries, we need a detailed knowledge of the physiology of these systems. Research involving mice helps us do this.
At St Andrews research involving mice includes:
- Understanding how neural networks are controlled in the brain. We aim to study the ion channels on individual neurons and up to entire neuronal networks involved in motor behaviours facilitating our understanding of conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
- Understanding and treating fertility disorders originating from the brain and pituitary. Irregular activity in processes such as metabolism, sleep, stress and/or ageing can change normal reproductive function and lead to infertility. We aim to gain an understanding on how the nervous system is controlled by small signalling proteins in the brain relevant to normal development and ageing, and to understand the basis of signalling in both fertile and disease models.
- Understanding what happens to the controlled release of calcium and how this affects the heart, under different health conditions.
-
Research involving rats can be used to better understand neurological disorders, including:
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Autism
- Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
-
Schizophrenia
- Learning disorders such as dyslexia.
To understand these disorders, we need more knowledge about their molecular and cellular-level basis. To do this, we need to target the molecular pathways that enable neuron function, synaptic communication, and dysfunction. We also need to see how signals are transmitted within network architectures.
Research involving rats can help us come up with therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Other research includes using high-resolution microscopy (imaging) to understand and cure neurodegenerative diseases.
What do we study?
We research rats to study the ability to remember things that have happened to us. We do this by getting lab rats to carry out memory tasks while we measure individual neurons.
We use high-resolution microscopy (imaging) to understand and consider treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
-
The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at St Andrews carries out research on seals to protect the natural environment; for this purpose SMRU may handle a few hundred individuals annually in UK waters. Around 98 % of the seals remain in their own natural environment.
The UK has a population of approximately 100,000 grey seals and 50,000 harbour seals, and they are protected under UK law. The research is directed at understanding the causes and effects of changes in seal abundance and distribution. This research helps to inform policy-making decisions and the conservation management of these important top predators. As seals are often impacted by human marine activities, for example wind turbine, we want to know the nature of these activities and the magnitude and importance of their impact.
-
We research xenopus (also known as clawed frogs) as a simple model system to study the basic mechanisms underlying motor control.
Xenopus can produce large numbers of robust eggs, which can be easily observed at all stages.
The tadpole spinal cord is simple and highly accessible for recordings. This makes it ideal for investigating rules that may be common to the movements of different animal species. Research involving tadpoles help us investigate how these mechanisms mature during neural development.
Research methods include:
- electrophysiology (a technique measuring electrical properties)
- calcium imaging
- optogenetics (a technique that turns genes on and off with light)
- mRNA microinjections
- anatomy
- computer modelling.