Why Animal Research Matters

Animal research is an indispensable tool for understanding complex living organisms, and many University of Wisconsin–Madison research programs study animals as models of human disease and to explore basic biological processes. The university’s commitment to responsible and ethical research conducted under the attention of skilled veterinarians continues a long history of improving human and animal health and well-being.

Cell transplant treats Parkinson’s in mice under control of designer drug

Zhang stem cell lab

Su-Chun Zhang and co-first authors Yuejun Chen and Man Xiong grew the specialized nerve cells from human embryonic stem cells. Read more

News

May 25, 2017 Zika infections could be factor in more pregnancies

“It’s sobering," says researcher Ted Golos. "If microcephaly is the tip of the iceberg for babies infected in pregnancy, the rest of the iceberg may be bigger than we’ve imagined.” Read more

March 15, 2017 Researchers make headway toward understanding Alexander disease

The new finding by the UW-Madison Waisman Center could change the way scientists think about and try to solve the rare, fatal disease. Read more

February 27, 2017 Study shows stem cells fiercely abide by innate developmental timing

Scientists from the Morgridge Institute for Research and UW-Madison are studying whether stem cell differentiation rates can be accelerated in the lab and made available to patients faster. Read more

February 21, 2017 Listeria may be serious miscarriage threat early in pregnancy

Listeria makes about 1,600 Americans sick each year — a relatively small number, but a group heavy on newborn babies and older adults with undeveloped or weak immune systems. Read more

February 17, 2017 From mice, clues to microbiome’s influence on metabolic disease

The microorganisms that reside in the gut work in tandem with the genes of a host organism to regulate insulin secretion, a key variable in the onset of diabetes. Read more

February 9, 2017 UW–Madison statement on USDA online records access

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to ethical and humane animal research as scientific knowledge and discoveries improve the health and well-being of human and nonhuman animals. Federal regulation and the oversight of agencies such as the U.S. Department of… Read more
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Wisconsin Discoveries

For more than 100 years, scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have successfully used animal models to discover new knowledge to benefit people, animals and society.

Animal Care

The university accepts responsibility for the stewardship of all animals under its care, conducting the kind of careful, ethical studies that can improve human and animal health.

Campus Oversight

Scientists, veterinarians and members of the public work to ensure UW–Madison’s world-class research is conducted ethically, safely and in compliance with federal laws and regulations.

Press Resources

We welcome reporters to contact us and obtain an accurate picture of what happens on our campus. Find videos and photos related to UW research.