3Rs tools

The 3RCU hosts a central hub for 3Rs tools, both for educational and research applications. Our hub contains tools from external sources such as 3Rs search engines and databases, but also self-developed tools.

Below you can find the collection of our self-developed tools. 

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  Searching for 3Rs Information We've gathered helpful tips and websites to support you in refining your strategy when searching for 3Rs-related information.
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  Humane Endpoints Website To protect animal welfare during experiments, precise indicators called ‘humane endpoints’ are being used. A humane endpoint is defined as the earliest indicator in an animal experiment of (potential) pain and/or distress. Humane endpoints provide important guidelines to Refine experimental animal use.

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  Interspecies Database The Interspecies Database compiles physiological, anatomical, and biochemical data from various species, including humans, to support cross-species comparisons. This helps researchers to design more effective and ethical animal studies, to improve interspecies extrapolation, or to decide to avoid animal testing altogether.
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  FCS-free Database Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) is a commonly used cell culture supplement. Its use is accompanied by ethical and -numerous- scientific concerns. The FCS-free Database offers researchers a fully searchable overview of commercially available, as well as from scientific literature, FCS-free media and alternative supplements.
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  BME-free Database Basement membrane extracts (BME), such as Matrigel, Cultrex, and Geltrex, are widely used for 2D and 3D cell culture applications. As for FCS, its use is accompanied by animal welfare and scientific concerns. To address this, the BME-free Database provides an overview of commercially available (animal-free) alternatives for in vitro applications.