Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

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Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 24 January 2019

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Researchers at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, are testing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease on robots.

Academics at the university – who are collaborating with the International Institute for Neurosciences of Natal, Brazil – will use computer models of the human brain to simulate the effect medication has on people living with Parkinson’s.

The study – which is the first of its kind – could lead to a major shift in the way that Parkinson’s treatments are tested in the future, and potentially put an end to animal testing.

Dr Patricia A Vargas, the lead collaborator of the study said: “Our hope is two-fold – to reduce and replace animals in research, and to help and inform new therapies, treatments and even the cure for this debilitating disease.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.


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