The research was part of undergraduate, Hayley Thomason’s final-year research project
An end to mascara testing on animals could be in sight thanks to tiny organisms nicknamed ‘slipper’ and ‘eyelash’.
Mascara is a mild irritant, and rabbits have, historically, been used to test how much discomfort new products can cause. However, a cheaper and more reliable test is now being developed by scientists at the University of Liverpool, involving miniscule protozoa. This will remove animal cruelty from the equation.
Protozoa
The scientists from the University’s Institute of Integrative Biology were able to examine potential toxicity caused by mascara, based on the growth of the protozoa when placed in experimental chambers containing the cosmetic.
Six different brands of mascara were tested, by painting it on small glass plates and placing these in the chambers. The protozoa and their food were then added. The protozoa– the slipper ciliate (Paramecium caudatum) and the eyelash ciliate (Blepharisma japonicum) – were chosen carefully because of their large size, their historic use as model organisms, and their genetic similarities to humans.
Their large size enabled the scientists to visually measure population growth using a microscope, and they were able to show that this varied according to the brand of mascara and the amount in the chamber. There was a substantial difference between brands, with some killing the protozoa and others not harming them at all.
Dr David Montagnes, who supervised the project suggests: “This test has great potential for reducing the use of rabbits as it is both cheap and reliable, and while the protozoa have a similar metabolism to animals they are not classed as such. Indeed, the traditional test used on rabbits – the Draize test – was developed more than 40 years ago and is both time consuming and expensive, as well as giving rise to ethical issues.”
Montagnes went on to add: “When you can develop a simpler and cheaper alternative, there is really no need to test cosmetics on animals.”
The Latest on: Animal testing
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Animal testing” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Animal testing
- Key Drivers Encouraging Companies to Invest in Non-Animal Alternatives Testing - By The Business Research Companyon February 6, 2023 at 2:40 am
The Business Research Company's Global Market Reports Are Now Updated With The Latest Market Sizing Information For The Year 2023 And Forecasted To 2032 LONDON, /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business ...
- Search for alternatives to animal testing in research continues to be promotedon February 2, 2023 at 11:57 pm
Developing replacement and supplementary methods for animal experiments and thus avoiding animal testing is the goal of the "Micro-Replace Systems" research network led by Professor Dr. André Bleich, ...
- Expanding access to human lung slices to reduce animal testingon February 2, 2023 at 1:46 pm
A new paper coauthored by PETA Science Consortium International e.V., the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), and the University of Minnesota is poised to revolutionize the field of inhalation ...
- Is Canada Finally Putting An End To Cosmetics Animal Testing?on February 2, 2023 at 11:39 am
Canada is on track to finally push for a cosmetics animal testing ban, with support from domestic animal rights groups.
- Japan remains global laggard in fight against live animal testingon February 1, 2023 at 10:04 pm
Although universities in Japan are beginning to shun the use of live animals in experiments, few companies disclose information about the animal testing they engage in and there is little public ...
- Feds Probe Neuralink Over Animal Testing Practiceson February 1, 2023 at 3:59 pm
The news organization revealed multiple internal staff complaints that animal testing is being rushed, resulting in needless suffering and death for its testing animals. Some complaints stated that ...
- Does Chanel test on animals and are they cruelty-free?on February 1, 2023 at 8:14 am
This is what we know. As of 2023, Chanel make-up and fragrances are sold on shelves in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law for certain cosmetics. Companies can get round can ...
- Yes, Animal Testing Should Be Illegal — Here’s Whyon February 1, 2023 at 7:49 am
Should animal testing be illegal? Many environmentalists are against the practice due to its cruelty and ineffectiveness.
- Navy Ends 'Gruesome' Testing on Sheep After PETA Protestson February 1, 2023 at 7:02 am
An animal rights group says that it has successfully lobbied the Navy to end a pair of studies that involved subjecting sheep to conditions that simulated surfacing quickly from a great depth.
- Better Animal Testing Alternatives Are Coming to U.S.on January 30, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Moving to in vitro testing for sensitization is important because the most common test is the guinea pig maximization test. This test is expensive, has a high animal burden, and can take up to nine ...
via Bing News
