New test more humane to lab animals - U.S. scientists WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. government scientists said Monday they have endorsed a new skin test for irritating chemicals that they say will be more humane and use fewer animals. It is the first test to be endorsed by a new inter-agency committee assigned to come up with acceptable alternatives for the current regime of tests that many groups say are cruel and inaccurate. The new test checks for contact dermatitis, an irritating skin condition that bothers consumers and which costs industry up to $1 billion a year in lost workdays and productivity. Animals are currently used to test products for contact dermatitis - usually guinea pigs. See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2556190590-520> Return To Top <#TOP> | Science and Medicine <#category16>
