Podcast
Questions and Answers
Most people would want their substances to be used on as few ______ or no animals as possible.
Most people would want their substances to be used on as few ______ or no animals as possible.
animals
Medicines which are safe for ______ might not be safe for humans.
Medicines which are safe for ______ might not be safe for humans.
animals
AI is helping to make the task of ensuring safety less ______.
AI is helping to make the task of ensuring safety less ______.
difficult
Medical animal testing may save human lives, but many view it as ______ for the animal.
Medical animal testing may save human lives, but many view it as ______ for the animal.
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AI is good at analyzing mountains and mountains of ______.
AI is good at analyzing mountains and mountains of ______.
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There is a staggering number of ______ being invented all of the time.
There is a staggering number of ______ being invented all of the time.
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When determining a chemical's safety, there is a huge amount of ______ data to wade through.
When determining a chemical's safety, there is a huge amount of ______ data to wade through.
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AI can process huge amounts of ______.
AI can process huge amounts of ______.
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Animal testing is when living animals are used in scientiEc ______ to End out how eFective a new medicine is.
Animal testing is when living animals are used in scientiEc ______ to End out how eFective a new medicine is.
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Scientists in favour of animal testing argue that it shows whether medicines are ______ or dangerous for humans.
Scientists in favour of animal testing argue that it shows whether medicines are ______ or dangerous for humans.
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Under British law, medicines must be tested on two diFerent types of ______, usually starting with rats, mice or guinea pigs.
Under British law, medicines must be tested on two diFerent types of ______, usually starting with rats, mice or guinea pigs.
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In everyday English, the term human ______ can be used to mean the Erst people to have something tested on them.
In everyday English, the term human ______ can be used to mean the Erst people to have something tested on them.
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AI could help reduce the need for scientiEc testing on ______.
AI could help reduce the need for scientiEc testing on ______.
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Christine Rowe explains that you can't necessarily predict from a mouse or a ______ what's going to happen in a human.
Christine Rowe explains that you can't necessarily predict from a mouse or a ______ what's going to happen in a human.
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Substances that have proven to be toxic in animals have been proven to be ______ in humans and vice versa.
Substances that have proven to be toxic in animals have been proven to be ______ in humans and vice versa.
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There are also of course animal welfare ______ to animal testing.
There are also of course animal welfare ______ to animal testing.
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The amount of new chemicals keeps growing as new ______ are invented.
The amount of new chemicals keeps growing as new ______ are invented.
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Christine uses the phrase, 'on top of that,' meaning in ______ to something.
Christine uses the phrase, 'on top of that,' meaning in ______ to something.
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With AI, testing on ______ could one day stop.
With AI, testing on ______ could one day stop.
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AI is not the whole ______; it's not a complete description of something.
AI is not the whole ______; it's not a complete description of something.
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A commonly used medicine which is safe for humans but harmful to ______ is aspirin.
A commonly used medicine which is safe for humans but harmful to ______ is aspirin.
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The phrase vice versa is used to indicate that the opposite of what you have just said is also ______.
The phrase vice versa is used to indicate that the opposite of what you have just said is also ______.
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To thread the needle describes a task which requires extreme skill and ______ to do successfully.
To thread the needle describes a task which requires extreme skill and ______ to do successfully.
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If you wade through something, you spend a lot of time and effort doing something ______ or difficult.
If you wade through something, you spend a lot of time and effort doing something ______ or difficult.
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Study Notes
Animal Testing Overview
- Animal testing involves using living animals to assess the safety and efficacy of new medicines and products.
- Proponents argue it is essential for determining human safety and has contributed to saving lives.
- Critics highlight ethical concerns, claiming it is cruel and often ineffective due to differences between animals and humans.
Legal Framework in the UK
- British law requires that new medicines be tested on at least two different animal types, typically starting with rodents or guinea pigs.
The Role of AI in Animal Testing
- Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) may reduce the necessity for animal testing.
- AI can analyze vast amounts of data, including toxicology studies, to predict human safety without animal involvement.
- AI’s ability to process data quickly is beneficial as the number of newly invented chemicals continues to grow.
Limitations of Animal Testing
- Animal testing cannot reliably predict human outcomes; substances toxic to animals may not affect humans and vice versa.
- Ethical concerns about animal welfare persist, with many people preferring alternatives that minimize or eliminate animal involvement.
Insights from Science Journalist Christine Rowe
- Rowe emphasizes the complexity of predicting human reactions based on animal testing.
- AI is seen as a valuable tool in navigating the extensive data related to chemical safety and medicine testing.
- The phrase "to thread the needle" is used to describe the challenge of balancing the need for safety with ethical considerations in testing.
Vocabulary and Key Phrases
- Human guinea pigs: Refers to the first individuals tested with a new drug or product.
- Vice versa: Indicates that the opposite statement is also true.
- To thread the needle: Describes tasks requiring significant skill and precision, especially in conflicting circumstances.
- The whole picture: A comprehensive understanding that includes all relevant information and perspectives.
- Wade through: To engage in a difficult or tedious process, often involving extensive reading or data analysis.
- On top of that: An additional point, often with negative implications.
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Description
This 2 Minute English lesson from BBC discusses the role of AI in reducing the need for animal testing in scientific research. Join Phil and Georgie as they explore the arguments for and against animal testing and the potential benefits of using technology in medicine.
