Bioengineering applies engineering and technology to biology - creating medical devices, artificial tissues, and even lab-grown organs. Within this field, bioprinting uses 3D printing with patient-derived cells to create realistic biological structures.

Example: Researchers at the university of otago are developing bioengineered breast tissue to support reconstruction for people recovering from cancer treatment.

These are simulations and artificial intelligence (AI) powered tools that predict biological responses.

Example: In the UK, scientists have developed a digital twin of the human heart using health data, scans, and wearable devices - enabling real-time tracking of heart disease and personalised treatment testing.

This involves researching human populations to understand disease trends. Researchers analyse large groups over extended periods, comparing factors such as daily habits, genetic makeup, medical care, environmental exposures, and socioeconomic status to identify causes and patterns of diseases.

Example: The dunedin multidisciplinary health and development study has followed over 1,000 people since the 1970s, offering valuable insights into how early life shapes lifelong wellbeing.

These include MRI, CT scans, and other advanced medical imaging tools that let us see inside the body in high detail.

Example: The dementia prevention research Clinic at the University of Auckland uses advanced imaging to study factors influencing Alzheimer’s disease development.

These models use equations and algorithms to simulate how the body works, helping predict what might happen and improve our understanding of health and disease.

Example: A study at the University of Auckland utilised computational models to create new and more accurate equations for predicting cardiovascular disease risk among New Zealanders.

This involves the use of consenting humans and their companion animals in research that is non-harmful.

Example: The university of auckland clever canine lab conducts research about how dogs think, with a particular focus on understanding the social bonds between dogs and their owners. People can volunteer themselves and their dog to be a part of this non-harmful research.

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These are a type of cell culture technique where human cells are grown in a three-dimensional environment in the lab to mimic the structure and function of real tissues and organs in the human body.

Example: Episkin is lab-grown human skin that mimics the structure and function of real human skin. It’s used to test the safety of things like cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

To test the effectiveness and safety of new drugs, drugs can be tested using the patient’s own cells and tissues that have been grown in a lab.

Example: Functional Drug Sensitivity Testing (f-DST) is a lab-based method that tests a patient’s own cancer cells to see which chemotherapy drugs work best while causing the least harm. This can lead to personalised treatments for cancers like colorectal cancer, to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Microdosing involves giving extremely small, safe doses of a drug or substance to consenting human volunteers. This early-stage testing helps determine whether a drug or product is likely to be safe and effective before moving on to full clinical trials.

Example: The University of Auckland conducted a study on LSD Microdosing to investigate the effects on mood and well-being in healthy individuals.

These are advanced computer simulations and AI tools used to predict how substances or drugs interact with the human body. By analysing chemical and biological data, they help assess safety, effectiveness, and potential risks.

Example: AI models have been developed to predict whether ingredients in cosmetics might cause skin allergies. These programs analyse the chemical properties of substances to assess their potential to cause allergic reactions.

A lab-based method that rapidly tests thousands of chemical compounds on biological targets such as cells, proteins, or biochemical systems, using robotics and automation to measure biological responses to different compounds.

Example: Researchers at the university of otago used high-throughput screening to analyse over 113,000 substances using human cell lines to identify potential new cancer treatment compounds.

These technologies use advanced software and programmable machines to replicate real-world scenarios, predict outcomes, and evaluate product safety and performance.

Example: THOR (Test device for Human Occupant Restraint) is a high-tech robotic crash test dummy used to improve vehicle safety. It combines robotics and sensors to closely mimic the human body, allowing detailed computer analysis of how people might be affected in a crash. Live pigs have been used as crash test dummies in vehicle safety experiments. THOR offers a non-harmful, advanced alternative that replaces this outdated method.

Teaching clinics where veterinary and animal science students gain hands-on experience by working with real animal patients and sometimes volunteer-owned animals. They provide practical training without harming animals, ensuring students develop essential skills in diagnosing, treating, and handling animals ethically.

Example: At Massey University, they have a veterinary teaching hospital. This provides real-world experience and training to final year veterinary students, interns and residents.

Ethical field studies are hands-on, real-world learning experiences that allow students to observe and study animals in their natural habitats - without harming or disturbing them.

Examples include: Observing animal behaviour and migration, collecting data non-invasively through cameras or tracks, and studying ecosystems without disturbing wildlife.

Instead of using animals bred or killed for teaching purposes, ethically sourced cadavers could be used. The source of these must meet specific criteria to be ethically sourced but generally, they come from animals that have died naturally, in accidents, or were euthanised for medical reasons. Interniche has a flowchart to help determine if a cadaver has been ethically sourced here.

Example: Veterinary and zoology students need hands-on experience with real animal tissue to learn anatomy and surgical skills. Ethically sourced cadavers from companion animal donation programs - like those at texas A&M University (USA) and the university of glasgow (UK) can provide this.

These technologies offer realistic, interactive learning experiences without using live animals. Computer simulations model biological processes for study and training, while augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to the real world - allowing users to explore 3D models of organs, cells, or organisms. Virtual reality (VR) takes this further by creating fully immersive environments for activities like virtual dissections or surgical training.

Example: Biosphera offers many different virtual dissections and interactive 3D anatomy models for humans and animals, with layered views and adjustable zoom.

Computer models simulate biological systems or processes, helping students visualise and understand complex concepts - like how the heart pumps blood or how cells divide. They're used in interactive lessons and virtual labs.

Example: Computer-assisted learning (CAL) resources like CALShare, developed by Massey University’s veterinary school, provide students with online access to biological, anatomical, clinical, and physiological learning tools, including videos, tutorials, and interactive demos.

These are experiments conducted outside of living organisms, typically in test tubes, petri dishes, or other controlled environments. These labs allow students to study biological processes using cell cultures, microorganisms, or tissue samples instead of live animals.

Example: Instead of using rat liver for studying cell respiration or electron transport, students can use plant-based alternatives like yeast, potato, or beet. These provide the same scientific insights without harming animals.

A wide range of creative tools can replace animal use in teaching. These include board games, basic or more detailed paper cut-outs for interactive biology lessons, educational films and videos, and low-cost, handmade models.

Example: At Massey University, students have practiced surgical skills on old teddy bears or used craft materials to create fake skin - making learning both ethical and effective.