Researchers in Spain have eliminated pancreatic cancer in mice using a combination of three drugs that target genes involved in tumour growth. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with around 87% of patients expected to die within five years of diagnosis. This disease often develops silently deep within the abdomen, and by the time it is detected, it has usually spread to other organs, making surgery difficult or impossible. While chemotherapy can kill cancer c

This week, the popular German YouTube channel Tomatolix published a behind-the-scenes video exploring animal research at EARA member Hannover Medical School (MHH). The video offers a clear example of transparency in action, with scientists openly explaining why some research still requires animals and how efforts are being made to minimise harm and develop alternatives that could reduce their use. Felix, the channel’s host, witnesses how animals are housed and cared for, i

A study in Canada showed that exercise and stimulating environments protect the brain’s defensive barrier in mice exposed to chronic stress, preventing depression-like symptoms. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, and chronic stress is a significant risk factor. Scientists at EARA member Université Laval demonstrated that when mice were exposed to chronic social stress, induced by encounters with a d

Researchers in Germany used medical images from animals to teach an AI model to improve human imaging during surgery, contributing to safer, more precise interventions. During surgery, it is difficult to visually distinguish healthy from unhealthy tissue. Surgeons use spectral imaging, which acquires information invisible to the human eye, such as blood flow and oxygen levels, combined with AI analysis, to support their evaluation. However, AI training using human tissue is

EARA’s second webinar, “The Role of Veterinarians in Animal Research”, held on 27 January 2026 for almost 800 live participants, brought together veterinarians from Europe and North America to explore the central role veterinarians play in animal welfare, scientific quality and public trust.

A UK study has identified two genes that regulate the response of cancer to immunotherapy and could be used as biomarkers to predict patients’ response to therapy.

Researchers in Brazil found that mosquitoes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are now more likely to feed on humans due to biodiversity loss.

A large international study has discovered that contraception increases life expectancy in many species of mammals.

Researchers in Japan have identified, in macaques, a brain circuit that acts like a "motivation brake", helping to explain why it can be hard to start unpleasant tasks.

Researchers in the US have developed a pill in pigs that sends a signal when it’s swallowed and could help doctors monitor if patients take their pills according to their prescription.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home, non-invasive brain stimulation device to treat depression.

Researchers in the Netherlands used zebrafish to understand how the receptors responsible for stress work in the brain.

A study in Germany using mice has revealed that a protein linked to cancer also affects the heart.

Researchers in the US have discovered that vitamin C may protect reproductive health in fish from an emerging environmental contaminant widely used in industry and explosives.

Research from the US suggests primate gut microbes influence brain-related gene activity in mice, indicating a potential role in the evolution of large brains.

EARA’s online media training is returning in early 2026 with updated content focused on transparency, public engagement and communication on animal research.

Researchers in the Netherlands have found that short-term periods of stress can lead to activation of the immune system in zebrafish.

Researchers in the US have identified a specific brain circuit in rats that drives relapse following opioid use, with light-based stimulation mimicking this pathway, significantly reducing addictive behaviour.

As the end of the year approaches, we reflect on the remarkable scientific discoveries made in 2025 across various fields, ensuring that all methodologies, including the use of animals, are integrated into the most contemporary biomedical research.

Researchers in the US created a detailed atlas showing how astrocytes, star-shaped support cells in the brain, differ across brain regions, animal species and life stages. The atlas will help to understand how these cells influence brain development, function and disease.