New Interspecies database offers improved accessibility
Since September 2023, the 3RCU team has been working on updating their databases. Two months ago, we RE-launched the FCS-free database . Now, we're excited to announce the relaunch of the updated and upgraded Interspecies Database. Hosted on Utrecht University’s online platform, this new database offers improved accessibility for users.
Translating and interpreting animal data for human applications is a significant challenge. The Interspecies Database is designed to assist researchers by providing data on physiological norms across commonly used lab animals (e.g., mice, rats, rabbits) and comparing them to other species of interest, such as humans. Bear in mind that the best model for humans are of course humans.
With this comprehensive tool, researchers can make informed decisions about the most appropriate animal models to use, ensuring their studies are relevant and reducing the need for repeat experiments. The database aims is to contribute to better science while minimizing the use of animals in research.
This version is now up and running. We are excited to invite you to try it yourself directly!
Unfamiliar with Interspecies Database or interested in the new look? Below you find a short demonstration of the offered possibilities. This video demonstrates how you, as a researcher, can use the database to compare data from the liver of an adult mouse to those of an adult human. By selecting the appropriate filters, you can explore various normal physiological values specific for those two species, such as normal physiological Phase I liver enzyme levels (e.g. CYP3A4) for metabolism-related research questions. Such a comparison can help you choosing the right species to address your research question in, as well as help you to extrapolate the data. Bear in mind that avoiding interspecies extrapolations is always to be preferred. If your target species is human, consider working in humans!
This project was sponsored by the Triodos Foundation.