Model Systems in Biology History, Philosophy, and Practical Concerns

In Model Systems in Biology, comparative neurobiologist Georg Striedter examines how biomedical researchers have used animal species and in vitro cellular systems to understand and develop treatments for human diseases ranging from cancer and polio to Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Although there have been some major successes, much of this "translational" research on model systems has failed to generalise to humans. Striedter explores the history of such research, focusing on the models used and considering the question of model selection from a variety of perspectives-the philosophical, the historical, and that of practicing biologists. Striedter reviews some philosophical concepts and ethical issues, including concerns over animal suffering and the compromises that result. He traces the history of the most widely used animal and in vitro models, describing how they compete with one another in a changing ecosystem of models. He examines how therapies for bacterial and viral infections, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders have been developed using animal and cell culture models-and how research into these diseases has both taken advantage of and been hindered by model system differences. Finally, Striedter argues for a "big tent" biology, in which a diverse set of models and research strategies can coexist productively.

ISBN:	9780262046947
Publisher:	The MIT Press
Imprint:	The MIT Press
Published date:	22 Jul 2022
DEWEY:	616.027
DEWEY edition:	23
Language:	English
Number of pages:	304
Weight:	700g
Height:	185mm
Width:	261mm
Spine width:	25mm

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