What is the current status of the ethical/scientific search for nonanimal research methods in each area?

Answer 1

Well, in most regions, scientists are looking for the cheapest, easiest way to accurately do experiments, and they're always looking for better ways to do things. There are many other ways to do experiments besides using animal models, such as tissue culture, phage display, yeast models, bacterial models, etc. However, if anyone is going to "believe" your work (translation: publish it), it is best to have an animal model too. That is, most experiments are initially done on non-animal models. If the results are promising, they are "proven" in an animal model. I know it sounds awful (and I kinda agree that it is), but in university or government settings, the animals are very, very well taken care. There are regulations in place to make sure the animals suffer as little as possible. Of course, respect is a huge issue with scientists. These animals are giving their lives to help our understanding of the world, and possibly even find cures for diseases.