5 OPNIONS IN FAVOR OF ANIMAL TESTING

Pro 1: Mieke Louwe, PhD, stated the following in an Apr. 16, 2016 article
“What You Should Know about Animal Research,” available at the Science
Nordic website:

“Unfortunately, however, not all animal research can be replaced by animal free
experiments. One reason is that there are no alternative methods that can mimic
the whole human body. For instance, studying how cancer spreads from one part
of the body to another is impossible with current alternatives. To study any
process that involves more than one organ requires the use of an animal, as the
interaction that takes place between different organs is very complex. Up till now
it is impossible to replicate this in a cell culture dish…

There’s no doubt that the work to reduce the use of animals in research is
something that needs to be further addressed, and hopefully we will be able to
find adequate alternatives for all kinds of research. But until we reach that stage,
medical progress is not possible without exploiting animals.”

Pro 2: Juan Carlos Marvizón, PhD, stated the following in a Jan. 5, 2016 article
“Can Animal Research Be Applied to Humans,” available at the Speaking of
Research website:

“Physiology is similar enough between humans and the rest of mammals to make
it possible to translate discoveries from animals to humans. Furthermore, science
has developed the right strategies to investigate human diseases in animals and
use the findings to develop medications that work in humans (and in animals as
well, in the case of veterinary medicine)…Not everything is smooth sailing, there
are some big obstacles in translating discoveries made in animals to humans.
Nobody said that science was easy. However, giving up animal research
following the advice of animal rights ideologues would be the most foolhardy
thing to do. The ultimate proof that animal research is able to produce cures for
human diseases.”
Pro 3: The Royal Society of Biology stated the following in their publication
“Animal Research: Use of Animals in Research,” available at rsb.org.uk Mar. 7,
2017):

“The Royal Society of Biology supports the use of animals in research when
properly regulated and when no alternatives are available. We actively support
progress towards a reduction in the use of animals by refining experiments and
developing new ways to minimize the use of and replace animals wherever
possible – often referred to as the 3Rs.

Research using animals has directly contributed to medical and veterinary

benefits including development of vaccines, antibiotics, and pioneering medical
procedures that save and improve the quality of many human and animal lives. It
has played a vital role in the major medical advances of the past century. It will
continue to be necessary for some time as we search for treatments for life-
threatening conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases,
AIDS, trauma and many severe infectious and inherited diseases…

There are groups and individuals that wish to stop animal research completely,
claiming that it is unnecessary and brings no benefit. However, as set out above,
this is not the case.”

Pro 4: Dario L. Ringach, PhD, MSc stated in his article titled “The Use of
Nonhuman Animals in Biomedical Research,” published in the Oct. 2011 issue of
the American Journal of the Medical Sciences:

“The contributions of animal research to medical science and human health are
undeniable… When the majority of scientists see the work as scientifically
justified, and so do the many professional medical and scientific organizations,
the expert views cannot be simply dismissed based on wild claims of ulterior
motives, self-interest and conspiracy theories.

Why is the use of animals in scientific experimentation morally permissible? In

my view, it is because the moral status of animals is not equal to that of humans
and because opting out of the research condemns our patients (both animal and
human) to suffer and die of disease. Stopping the research would be, as Darwin
correctly judged, a crime against humanity. I have come to appreciate the
compassion animal activists have toward animals. Paradoxically, this
compassion does not seem to extent to human patients. Hopefully, animal
activists will come to accept that our work is driven similarly by an honest attempt
at advancing knowledge and alleviating suffering and disease in the world.”
Pro 5: William T. Talman, MD, stated in his Dec. 7, 2012 Huffington Post article
titled “Don’t Have the Wool Pulled over Your Eyes”:

“Consider that over the past 40 years only one Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine did not depend on animal research for the fundamental discoveries that
led to the prize… A quick look at the list of Nobel Prizes in Physiology or
Medicine will give you an idea not only of the vital role played by animals in
biomedical research, but also the impact that research has had on humankind…

Sometimes those who seek to outlaw use of animals in research argue that
testing new treatments should be done on humans, not animals. Really! Are they
ready to volunteer? Even if they were, or even if some were coerced to do so
(say prisoners or terminally ill patients), would we really want to move our society
in that direction?

Do not think that the only value coming from studies utilizing animals is
development of cures or testing of potential cures. In fact, studying living
creatures gives the scientist an opportunity to learn how living systems work. The
new knowledge often expands our understanding of human physiology…

It is important to realize that studies in animals are not just done for, and do not
just lead to, treatments in humans. Indeed, treatments for other animals also
arise from such studies. Consider, for example, that paralyzed dogs have
regained their ability to walk as a result of research conducted in rodents and
dogs.”

5 OPNIONS AGAINST ANIMAL TESTING

Con 1: Lindsay Marshall, PhD, stated the following in a Dec. 16, 2016 article
“Science in Transit; The Move Away from Animals in Research,” available at the
Huffington Post website:

“Animal research certainly fails animals, in terms of the distress and suffering
caused, and just as importantly, animal research often fails people, too, in terms
of the slow, unproductive route to useful treatments. More than 90 percent of
drugs that have passed animal trials for safety and efficacy are not successful in
treating the human disease for which they are intended…
Surely, we can all agree that replacement of animals in testing and research is
morally, ethically and scientifically the only way forward.”

Con 2: John Pippin, MD, FACC, stated the following in a May 18, 2016 article
“Statement from the Physicians Committee on Johns Hopkins University
Eliminating the Use of Animals in Medical Training,” available at pcrm.org:

“It is a tremendous relief to hear that Johns Hopkins University will finally begin
using up-to-date, human-relevant methods to teach human medicine. This
change will align Johns Hopkins’ medical education program with 99 percent of
the country’s programs…

[T]he use of animal labs is unmistakably contrary to the intention to provide an

excellent medical education. Modern medical simulators provide a superior way
to learn surgical skills that are specific to human anatomy and physiology.

To prepare future physicians for the work they will perform throughout their
careers, medical training must be human-focused, not animal-focused, because
there are many substantial differences across species.”

Con 3: Kathy Archibald, Founder and Director of the Safer Medicines Trust,
stated in her chapter “Of Mice but Not Men,” in the book What Doctors Don’t Tell
You:

“Not only are animals poor models of safety for humans, but they are also
unreliable for demonstrating the effectiveness of treatments too. Just as many
drugs fail in clinical trials because they turn out to cause side-effects in humans,
many others turn out to be ineffective in humans, despite performing well in
animals. This makes drug development extraordinarily expensive because
companies need to recoup the costs of clinical trials not only for successful
drugs, but also for the nine others that fail for each one that succeeds…

Far from jeopardizing progress, a shift to advanced techniques based on human

biology would accelerate biomedical research and deliver safer and better
medicines at lower costs: a win–win situation that should be supported by
everyone.”
Con 4: Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH, stated in her Oct. 21, 2013 email to
ProCon.org:

“Regardless of any role animal experiments may have played in the past, the
mounting evidence shows that using animals today is largely ineffective in
helping us understand human physiology, predict human toxins and find useful
drugs. Despite some similarities between humans and non-human animals,
medicine now deals with the subtle nuances of physiological mechanisms and
genetics that are unique to humans. While animals may be ‘whole models,’ they
are the wrong whole models because of inter-species differences.

Failures of animal experiments have led to human harm. Moreover, misleading

animal experiments may have caused the abandonment of effective drugs and
cures. One can’t help wondering: how many people would have been saved if we
used more effective human-based testing methods?

Animal experimentation is a relic of the past. Instead of wasting time, human and
animal lives, and our tax dollars on misleading animal experiments, we must
devote our resources into finding and using sophisticated human-based tests that
mimic the whole human body. Our lives depend on this.”

Con 5: Jane Goodall, PhD, ethologist and author, stated in her Mar. 17, 2012
op-ed for the Times (UK) titled “So Much Animal Pain, So Little Human Gain”:

“In the name of science or medicine, animals are subjected to countless invasive,
frightening and sometimes very painful procedures. We all want to see cures for
terrible diseases such as Parkinson’s (which afflicted my mother), cancer (to
which I lost my husband), multiple sclerosis and so on, but regardless of how
much or how little these experiments benefit human health, should we exploit
animals in this way?

Animal experimenters often justify such research by claiming the existence in

humans of some morally relevant characteristics, such as intelligence, language,
or consciousness, that are supposedly absent in other species. But we are fast
discovering a great deal about high levels of intelligence in many animal species,
and too about animal consciousness, emotions and sensitivity to pain…

We need a new mindset for the 21st century. Most experimenters, while
acknowledging that animals are sentient and sometimes sapient beings, say that
some will always have to be used but they will use as few and treat them as well
as possible. Instead, let us admit that the practice is morally and ethically
unacceptable. We need to move on.

The amazing human brain has already discovered astonishingly innovative ways
of improving medical research by replacing animals. Let science direct its
collectively awesome intellect toward finding alternatives to the use of live
animals in all procedures—as soon as possible. This should be supported by the
scientific establishment and vastly increased funding should be found for it. It
should be a goal for all civilized societies.”

5 Ways Money Can Buy You Happiness

Nicole Mead PhD – The Happy Consumer - Sep 27, 2018 (Scientific Research)

Happiness need not be fleeting, and one needn't be a millionaire to be content.

Research shows it’s not how much you earn but how you spend it. Here are 5 ways you
can step off the hedonic treadmill and use your hard-earned money to infuse your life
with happiness.

1. Spend On Others: Elizabeth Dunn and colleagues find that the more people spend on
others (donations and gifts for others), the happier they are. In contrast, spending on
oneself is not related to happiness. These findings hold for even small amounts of cash.
In one study, the researchers gave participants either $5 or $20. Participants who were
instructed to spend the money on others were happier as a result than those who were
instructed to spend it on oneself. The amount of money participants spent did not
matter. What mattered was what they did with it.

2. Do Instead of Have: We are inundated with media suggesting that happiness comes
from owning things. Challenging this view, Van Boven and Gilovich show that spending
money on experiences brings people more happiness – and for a longer period of time –
than spending money on material goods. The key to garnering happiness from
experiences is related to money-happiness principle #1: Peter Caprariello and Harry Reis
find that spending money on experiences with others is what makes us particularly
happy.

3. Extraordinary or Ordinary Experiences (Depends on Your Age): OK, so spend your

money on social experiences. But what kind of experiences make us most happy?
Research suggests it depends on your age. Amit Bhattacharjee and Cassie Mogilner find
that younger people derive more happiness from extraordinary experiences
(uncommon and infrequent) while older people derive more happiness from ordinary
experiences (common and frequent). What is more, enjoying common life experiences
can help boost your goal progress.
4. Meaning over Pleasure: The happiness we derive from buying things that give us
pleasure is fleeting. However, buying things that give us meaning – that promote self-
growth, purpose, and connection with others – can give us longer-lasting happiness.
While the start-up costs of such pursuits may be higher – it may involve a learning curve,
going outside of our comfort zone, or even a higher ticket price than we’d like – we reap
the benefits in the long run.
5. Buy Time: We can make more money, but we can’t generate more time. So use your
money to buy yourself some time. Research conducted in the USA, Canada, Denmark,
and the Netherlands finds that spending money on time-saving services promotes
happiness and life satisfaction. So go ahead and order groceries online instead of going
to the store, or don’t feel guilty for hiring someone to paint the house. In modern life,
we are time starved, and it feels good to have that much more time to do something
that truly brings you happiness.
Conclusion: These 5 spending strategies are mindful and long-term focused. Instead of
being drawn into the temptation trap, take a deep breath, step back, and find ways to
use your money to connect you with yourself and others.
Only The Poor or Super Rich Say “Money Can’t Buy
Happiness”
Posted by Financial Samurai (Personal point of View)

Whoever said, “money can’t buy happiness” is either poor or wealthy beyond their
wildest dreams. The incessant amount of studies by researchers trying to prove money
can’t buy happiness is simply a result of the researcher’s own poverty or unhappiness.
Because they are financially mediocre, researchers are trying to console themselves that
it’s OK not being wealthy.
Generally, researchers have a higher sense of self because they have more educational
training. Hence, it tears them up when they see other “lesser beings” make more than
them. Meanwhile, those who continue to highlight research stating that money can’t
buy happiness are trying to justify their own financially unspectacular selves as well!
You see, the financially mediocre are all in cahoots with each other. They’ve banded
together to proclaim that being middle class regular people is good enough. It probably
is good enough for most people, but not for these unsatisfied folks who think they are
smarter and better than everyone else! If being middle class or poor was good enough,
then they’d leave well enough alone and be happy with their financial mediocrity. It’s a
hard pill to swallow but swallow they must. Not everybody can make multiple six
figures, live in million-dollar houses, and pay cash for luxury automobiles. That’s just life
and they are trying to bring you down. Don’t let them!

The Tricky Rich: On the flip side, you have the super rich who also say, “money can’t buy
happiness.” They’ve got all the luxury in the world, with not an ounce of financial worry.
It must be nice never having to budget during Christmas season. It must be nice going to
$1,000/head charity galas and paying $200 for front row seats to watch the great Itzhak
Perelman play violin. These types of people need to fight for the poor because
otherwise, they’ll be deemed as greedy bastards.
The guilt factors the super rich have is enough to say statements such as, “The rich
aren’t paying their fair share of taxes!” Even if you slapped a 99% marginal income tax
rate on Warren Buffet, he still will make more than 99% of the world. Of course, it’s OK
to raise taxes when you have so much wealth! The super rich will lecture us to stop
focusing so much on money and just following our dreams. Don’t listen to them for one
bit! They’re just trying to win you over and pretend to be like one of you.

Definitely Happier with More Money: I don’t know about you, but I’m very happy
making more than I did 10 years ago. 10 years ago, I was worried whether I could afford
getting desert for two on a date. Now, the cost of a seven-layer chocolate cake for $8.99
doesn’t even cross my mind, only the 5 miles I’ll have to run tomorrow instead.
10 years ago, I used to stress more at work because if I ever got fired, my safety net was
as think as sheets of wet Kleenex! Now, I’m focused on all the good things at work and
don’t worry about face time issues and workplace politics. 10 years ago, I would never
be able to consciously buy two round-trip tickets the day before to celebrate Valentines
week in Hawaii. Now, I’m excited to go on more last-minute adventures because
experiences are what matter most!
The reason why money does buy happiness is because once you have money, you don’t
worry about money anymore. All the stress that comes with a lack of money melts
away. You’re not pissed at your friends for short-changing the pot during a group meal
outing. You don’t care if you get a flat tire and must spend $200 to replace. You’re just
not worried anymore, and that feels fantastic!
Money also allows you to buy fantastic memories. Most would agree that your happiest
moments are spent with friends and loved ones. If you have money to travel and be
with those you care about, is that not happiness production? It absolutely is. What
about all the fun times you had taking salsa lessons or playing tennis at the club? Not a
cheap endeavor, but so fun, and made possible by money.
I got a stupid $110 parking ticket the other day as I was dropping my family off at the
science museum. I was gone for just 5 minutes. In the past, I would have been pissed.
Now, I think to my self, whatever.
On November 10, 2018, I had to take my son to the ER because he was vomiting due to
some virus. The ER visit cost a $100 co-pay. I was glad to easily pay it to get access to
treatment. Another example of how money reduces stress in an already stressful
situation.

Money Does Buy Happiness: When people start telling you money can’t buy happiness,
take a good hard look at their finances. They are likely telling you this because they
don’t have much money themselves. They haven’t tasted the freedom money buys. And
if they so happen to be research PhD’s, well you can forget about their advice right
there. If they are super rich, then you know they are just trying to blend in and not look
selfish.
Money can buy happiness because money buys peace of mind and opportunities for
great experiences. Don’t be fooled by ego-consoling research and those who espouse!
They are just trying to keep you from achieving your financial goals so they can feel
better about themselves.

10 Reasons Why Money Will Never Make You Happy

If you thought money was the key to happiness, you thought wrong!

By Christina Pimentel, CEO, Founder and Author of 'My Anxious Life' & ' Hause of Lotus'
Blog! Originally published at www.myanxiouslife.net — Published on July 31, 2017

Money! We all need it to live, but there are people who think it will solve all their
problems and cure their misery! I can assure you it won’t! Sure it could relieve some
financial stress off your shoulders, but that won’t make you happy! In fact Biggie said it
best “Mo Money Mo Problems” and it’s very true. The more money you have, the more
you buy, the more bills you have, etc…
I know, not having money to pay your bills is depressing, so you think to yourself “If I
had it, I wouldn’t have half the problems I have, I would be happy” but you wouldn’t be
happy, because ‘ Money doesn’t buy Happiness’! So here is a list of 10 reasons why
money will NEVER make you truly happy!
1. Instant Gratification– This is what having money gives you, Instant happiness. But
what happens when that feeling subsides and you are back to being unhappy?
Happiness is an inside job, that’s why!
2. It Doesn’t Fix Relationships– In fact when you throw money into a relationship, it can
either make it or break it. It is one of the #1 things couples argue about! So believe me
when I say, just because you have money does NOT mean you are guaranteed to have a
healthy relationship!
3. Root of All Evil- It has long been said that it is the root of evil, but why? Well most of
the world’s problems have ALWAYS been because of money! Wars have been started
over it. Money = Power The more money you have the more power you have and with
power comes greed, ego, corruption and more! You see where I am going with this?
4. Mental Illness- People who suffer with depression or anxiety disorders (like me) tend
to think if they had more money, they would be happier. But this is false. This is a
disorder or chemical imbalance that needs to be treated the right way. Money can’t fix
that!
5. Friendships- Money and friendships do not mix. Lending or borrowing money from
friends can have some serious consequences. Lots of friendships have been destroyed
because of money. Also, if you have ALOT of money you can attract the ‘wrong’ kind of
friends, if you know what I’m saying!
6. Family- Same as friendships, Money and family don’t mix!
7. Studies- Here is one of many studies on the Psychology of Money and Happiness.
8. Things- If you have a lot of money, you can buy a lot of the things, but those ‘things’
will only make you happy for a little while. When the happiness is gone you start chasing
it again with materialistic delusions of happiness. It won’t work. It’s called a delusion for
a reason!
9. Never Enough– No matter how many things you have or money it will never be
enough! It’s human nature. We want something, we get it, and then we want more,
bigger, better! It’s almost the definition of insanity. You keep going and going, chasing a
feeling that nothing you “buy” will ever truly give you!
10. Peace- You can’t buy it, only attain it once you learn to come to peace with your
decisions in life. We only get what we give!
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying money is completely awful, it buys us our food,
our homes and much more. But it seems people put their entire lives on hold to chase
money because they think it will make them happy! I have been guilty of this but have
come to realize after many failed attempts to buy my happiness, that what we really
need is to be GRATEFUL! I believe this is the way to happiness! Once we learn to be
grateful for the things we already have, our happiness will blossom. Do you agree or
disagree, and why? Let me know in the comments section down below!