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Beyond Mice
and Monkeys
PCRM Conference Explores Alternatives to Animal Research
Athletes, Celebrities Ask Congress for Healthier School Meals • Facial Expressions of Mice
in Pain • Double Down or Double Bypass? • BEST Practices Act Gains New Supporters •
Five Foods to Avoid at Mexican Restaurants • The Anti-Arthritis Diet • PCRM Confronts
NASA Monkey Experiments
Editorial
PCRM
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Toxicity Testing
Nonanimal Neurotoxicity Model Shows Promise
human neurodevelopmental diseases,
such as autism spectrum disorder.
In the EPA laboratories in North
Carolina, Josh Harrill, Ph.D., is working
to model in a test tube all the ways neural
cells can be disturbed by toxins. Putting
istockphoto
these models together will help scientists
WEIGHT CONTROL
U
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PCRM
William L. Warren, Ph.D., the CEO and founder of
VaxDesign Corporation, will discuss the benefits and
applications of his company’s recently developed in vitro
P h y sicians
C o mmittee
f o r
human immune system, which assesses new drugs and
R esp o nsib l e
M edicine vaccines more accurately, compared with tests using
animal methods.
onkeys
VAXDESIGN CORPORATION
A Human Immune
System in a Test Tube
Susan Love, M.D., of the Love/Avon Army of mentation. Distinguished researchers, veterinarians, and
Women will explain how her organization has chal- ethicists will speak about animals’ cognitive and affective
lenged breast cancer researchers to expand their focus capabilities and the effects of the pain and stress endured
to prevention research conducted on healthy women. by animals used in research.
The Army of Women has created a direct partnership Lori Marino, Ph.D., of Emory University will discuss
between scientists conducting clinical trials and women noninvasive research on dolphin and whale cognition.
who may qualify to participate in the trials. Dr. Marino is the author of more than 80 publica-
Robert J. Kavlock, Ph.D., will share the Environ- tions, including the first definitive evidence of mirror
mental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) perspective of the self-recognition in bottlenose dolphins. Alicia Karas,
future of chemical testing. Dr. Kavlock is the director of D.V.M., an assistant professor at Tufts University, stud-
the newly formed National Center for Computational ies methods of pain assessment and treatment in mice,
Toxicology (NCCT) within the EPA’s Office of Research rabbits, and dogs. She will speak about the physiological
and Development. His talk will cover how nonanimal effects of the pain and stress millions of mice endure in
testing methods fit into the NCCT’s mission to improve laboratories.
risk identification in assessing environmental chemicals. Other speakers will cover nonhuman primate cog-
nition, the emotional lives of animals, international
The Impact on Animals frameworks for animal protection, mood and anxiety
In addition to scientific considerations, speakers will disorders in chimpanzees, and other areas with ethical
examine the ethical considerations of animal experi- implications for using animals in experiments.
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subjected to daily restraint in primate chairs.
NASA is funding the monkey radiation experi-
ments in an attempt to shed light on the effects of
deep space radiation on a human astronaut bound
for Mars. But PCRM says the taxpayer money slated
for the experiments would be better spent on human-
centered methods, including human simulators
PCRM Confronts equipped with sensors.
“These experiments are both inhumane and scientifi-
NASA Monkey Experiments cally unsound,” says John J. Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C.,
PCRM’s senior medical and research adviser. “Blasting
“B elmont, we have a problem,” proclaimed PCRM’s squirrel monkeys with radiation won’t help us under-
billboards and train station ads near McLean stand how humans can survive the complex dangers of
Hospital in Belmont, Mass. The ads alerted Belmont interplanetary travel.”
commuters to NASA-funded monkey radiation experi- On June 10, PCRM led a peaceful protest in front
ments taking place at McLean. of McLean Hospital. The hospital was also presented
The $1.75 million experiments, proposed by McLean with pledges from several primate sanctuaries willing
researcher Jack Bergman, Ph.D., involve exposing live to provide homes for the monkeys if McLean agrees to
squirrel monkeys to harmful radiation at Brookhaven release them.
National Laboratory on Long Island. The animals will ONLINE > Ask McLean Hospital president Scott Rauch,
then be shipped to McLean and compelled to perform M.D., to cancel these experiments: PCRM.org/NASA.
tasks to test for cognitive impairment. The primates will
8 GOOD MEDICINE
GOOD MEDICINE Summer
Summer 2010
2010
Research Issues
in trauma training.
In Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training
PCRM doctors lead a peaceful demonstration at Tulane.
at Tulane, trainees cut into live, anesthetized pigs and
practice emergency medical procedures. After the train- Human-based simulators such as the TraumaMan
ing session, the pigs are killed. System have been approved by the American College
“Using animals is not only cruel, it is a substandard of Surgeons as a replacement for animal use in ATLS
way to teach emergency procedures that will be used on courses; 95 percent of medical facilities that teach
humans,” says John J. Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C., PCRM ATLS courses have already switched to nonanimal
senior medical and research adviser. “The school should teaching methods.
immediately replace the use of animals with state-of-
the-art trauma training simulators that are already ONLINE > To ask Tulane’s dean to end the use of animals in the
school’s ATLS program, visit PCRM.org.
available in the Tulane simulation center.”
Advancing the
PCRM Mission
P CRM’s legislative work has grown in recent years,
and we created the PCRM Legislative Fund last
December to be a voice for change on Capitol Hill and
in state legislatures.
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, the PCRM
Legislative Fund helps shape important public policy
reforms in the areas of ethics and health.
To support the legislative fund, simply send a con-
tribution using the envelope enclosed in this issue or
make a secure gift online at PCRMLF.org.
ONLINE > To stay informed about our legislative
campaigns, sign up online to be a part of our
Chris Quay
Stirling Elmendorf
increased use of animals for chemical testing. computer-based methods that can provide information
PCRM scientist Nancy Beck, Ph.D., is on chemicals more quickly than animal-based tests. We
pushing for provisions that would better pro- are also urging Congress to require the use of available
Nancy Beck, Ph.D.
tect both humans and animals in the House nonanimal methods to reduce animal use and drive
of Representatives’ stakeholder meetings, and innovation in test method development.
These and other PCRM Legislative Fund recom-
ONLINE > Please help ensure that this legislation becomes a launch
mendations for efficient, relevant testing will help ac-
pad for better methods—techniques that rely on modern cell-based
complish the primary goal of the bills—more effective
tests instead of animals. Get involved: PCRMLF.org/tox.
regulation of potentially toxic chemicals.
BEST Practices
Act Gains New W hen the military teaches personnel about
emergency medical procedures, it uses a highly
controversial teaching method. The courses involve
Supporters subjecting thousands of animals to stab wounds, burns,
and other injuries.
The PCRM Legislative Fund is promoting a bill that
would improve military medical training by replacing
these kinds of animal laboratories. The Battlefield Excel-
lence through Superior Training (BEST) Practices Act,
H.R. 4269, would end the Department of Defense’s use
of live pigs, goats, and monkeys in combat trauma and
chemical casualty care courses.
The BEST Practices Act would require the military
to transition to ethical and educationally superior
human-based methods, including medical simulators,
which are widely used in civilian medical centers to
teach trauma management. H.R. 4269 has two new
co-sponsors—Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif.,
and Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif.
T
ONLINE > Ask your representative
he campaign to give students healthier choices in dishes catered by celebrity chef
to join the growing list of Healthy
the lunch line is in full swing. PCRM experts, along Lauren Von Der Pool. School Meals Act supporters. Take
with scores of celebrities, professional athletes, health The Healthy School Meals action at PCRMLF.org.
care professionals, and students, are calling on Members Act would help schools offer Join the campaign on
of Congress to support H.R. 4870, the Healthy School students healthy, plant-based Facebook: Facebook.com/
Meals Act of 2010. meals, which are generally PCRMSchoolLunchRevolution.
Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., introduced the Healthy lower in fat and saturated fat
School Meals Act in March. The bill aims to reverse and higher in fiber than traditional school meals. With
the epidemic of childhood obesity by helping school the percentage of overweight and obese children now at
food service programs offer more fruits, vegetables, and or above 30 percent in 30 states, these healthier meals
healthful plant-based meal options and nondairy bever- could make a major impact on children’s health.
ages. The bill already has more than 60 co-sponsors in
the House of Representatives and is the second most Hollywood Supports
supported school nutrition bill in Congress.
Three gold-medal-winning Olympians—swimmer Healthy School
Amanda Beard, soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, and gym-
nast Nastia Liukin—wrote to lawmakers in early April Meals Act
urging them to support this bill. They explained that
L etters in support of the Healthy School Meals Scarlett Johansson
healthful food is extremely important to children’s health Act are stacking up on Rep. George Miller’s
and development—whether they hope to be professional desk. But a few letters may be tacked up on his
athletes or not. bulletin board.
The momentum continued on April 21 when nearly Rep. Miller, D-Calif., chair of the commit-
1,000 concerned physicians, parents, students, and citi- tee that child nutrition legislation is passing
zens signed up to call their representatives on National through, has received letters from Scarlett Jo- Ellen DeGeneres
School Lunch Call-In Day. The evening before the call-in hansson, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Nicole
day, Elizabeth Kucinich, PCRM’s director of public af- Richie, and many other celebrities in support of
fairs, actress Deidre Hall, and local student activist Nina healthy school meal choices.
Gonzalez—who helped her school system add vegetarian Media outlets across the country have cov-
options—hosted a conference call to answer questions ered the bill’s celebrity support. An article in the
about the Healthy School Meals Act. Capitol Hill publication Roll Call began, “Celebri- Portia de Rossi
More recently, NBA star John Salley and Olympic ties get a lot of mail—but Rep. George Miller
Johansson, Richie/GETTY IMAGES
gold-medal-winning sprinter Allyson Felix showed might just get the most mail from celebrities.”
their support for the bill in the halls of Congress. At a In their letters, they ask Miller to help fight
May 5 congressional breakfast co-hosted by PCRM, in childhood obesity and related chronic diseases
cooperation with the Congressional Black Caucus and by including language from the Healthy School
the Congressional Families for Children’s Health, Salley Meals Act in updated child nutrition legislation. Nicole Richie
and Felix participated in a roundtable discussion about
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I t’s official—the Food for Life program Cancer Project. Kyle, an athlete whose
has reached the United Kingdom! plant-based diet helped him recover from
Classes are now up and running in both a 2002 cancer diagnosis, completed the
Stafford and Wolverhampton, spreading race in record time—and his efforts raised those who could not be out running for
the important message of good nutrition over $2,100 for our educational programs. various health reasons. This really helped
for cancer prevention and survival. Here’s an excerpt of what Kyle wrote me keep up the pace … I was happy with
Sue Brown from Valencia, Spain, at- to us after the race: how I performed on the finishing stretch
tended the inaugural U.K. series in March “I had a strong, gutsy race. I thought a and with my overall time. And it was all
and said, “I found the class very interest- lot about The Cancer Project donors and vegan powered!”
ing, clear, and educational. The food was
great and I was most surprised by foods
that I always believed were good for us Five Foods to Avoid at Mexican
were actually harmful to our health. I am
looking forward to attending more classes
Restaurants
A
in the future.” The leader behind The report by The Cancer Project will make Mexican food enthusiasts think twice about
Cancer Project’s U.K. expansion is Ayo what they are choosing. While Mexican restaurants offer many healthful choices,
Olaseinde. We from bean burritos to veggie fajitas, there are also some items you’ll want to skip.
appreciate the With more than 2,100 calories and more fat and sodium than most people should
support of Salad- eat in a day, the Charbroiled Steak Nachos at Baja Fresh tops a list of five foods to avoid.
master in bring- Here are the five worst entrées:
ing these classes
to fruition. Rank Worst Mexican Items Restaurant
Worst Charbroiled Steak Nachos Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
2nd worst Grilled Fajita Salad Chevys Fresh Mex
Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken
3rd worst Chili’s
Crispers
ONLINE > See the latest class 4th worst Pulled Pork Burrito Qdoba Mexican Grill
offerings: CancerProject.org/Classes. 5th worst Ground Beef Burrito Moe’s Southwest Grill
16 GOOD
GOOD MEDICINE
MEDICINE Summer
Summer 2010
2010
The Cancer Project
The News You Need By Joseph Gonzales, R.D., and Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.
www.CancerProject.org
The Cancer Project is a nonprofit PCRM subsidiary that advances
cancer prevention and survival through nutrition education and research.
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this special occasion, which allowed us nated on Sunday with a president’s circle At PCRM.org/Gala2010, view a five-
to shine the spotlight on what we have brunch. During Saturday night’s main minute highlight video of the event and
accomplished with hard work and perse- event, guests dined on heavenly vegan an album of spectacular gala photos.
Sublime owner Steering Committee chair James John Salley and Maggie Q Event chairs Kathy and Tom PCRM president Neal
Nanci Alexander Costa with singer Leona Lewis take the stage to kick off Freston Barnard, M.D.
the program
Event host Cindy Landon with son Sean and Auction chair Committee member Committee member Congressman Dennis Kucinich
daughter Jennifer Bobi Leonard Rod Summers Lorrie Attalla and wife PCRM director of
public and government affairs
Elizabeth Kucinich
Gala
Sponsors
18
18 GOOD
GOOD MEDICINE
MEDICINE Summer
Summer 2010
2010
Member Support
The Voice of
Compassion Award
PCRM’s newest award honors
those who, by word and
example, have communicated
caring, compassion, and the
highest ethical principles.
The 2010 honorees are Ellen
DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi,
Marilu Henner, and
Alicia Silverstone.
Neal Barnard, M.D., presents Ellen with the Voice of Marilu Henner takes the stage to accept
Compassion Award her award
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24 GOOD MEDICINE Summer 2010