Most laboratory science professionals love what they do, but they may not realize how important it is to talk with others about their work. People who aren't familiar with what goes on in the lab may be easily influenced by animal rights propaganda, and a negative public opinion will directly affect research funding and legislation. Many organizations work to protect scientific progress by educating the public, the media and policy makers about the importance of humane and responsible animal research. Lab Animal presents a few of the US and UK organizations that that are dedicated to public outreach and advocacy. See
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The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a valuable animal model for studies of developmental biology, aging and disease. Huss et al. describe the uses of Japanese quail in numerous fields of research and present detailed guidelines for raising these birds in the laboratory. See
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