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News from EARA
This page contains all the news outputs from EARA, including press releases and videos, EARA policy and news briefings, plus opinion pieces and significant media articles.
Other pages in this section explain more about EARA on social media and practical information for journalists.
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Mental blocks to starting an unpleasant task explained in monkeys
Researchers in Japan have identified, in macaques, a brain circuit that acts like a "motivation brake", helping to explain why it can be hard to start unpleasant tasks.
Nuno Gonçalves
Jan 191 min read


Pill tested in pigs could monitor if patients take their meds
Researchers in the US have developed a pill in pigs that sends a signal when it’s swallowed and could help doctors monitor if patients take their pills according to their prescription.
Helena Pinheiro
Jan 191 min read


First at-home depression device supported by animal research
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home, non-invasive brain stimulation device to treat depression.
Inês Serrenho
Jan 191 min read


How stress alters the brain in zebrafish
Researchers in the Netherlands used zebrafish to understand how the receptors responsible for stress work in the brain.
Helena Pinheiro
Jan 191 min read


Cancer protein affects the heart in mice
A study in Germany using mice has revealed that a protein linked to cancer also affects the heart.
Inês Serrenho
Jan 121 min read


Vitamin C protects fish reproductive health
Researchers in the US have discovered that vitamin C may protect reproductive health in fish from an emerging environmental contaminant widely used in industry and explosives.
Helena Pinheiro
Jan 121 min read


Gut microbes from primates change brain gene activity in mice
Research from the US suggests primate gut microbes influence brain-related gene activity in mice, indicating a potential role in the evolution of large brains.
Nuno Gonçalves
Jan 121 min read


Coming soon: EARA online Media Training
EARA’s online media training is returning in early 2026 with updated content focused on transparency, public engagement and communication on animal research.
Inês Serrenho
Jan 61 min read


Short-term stress in zebrafish shows positive immune response
Researchers in the Netherlands have found that short-term periods of stress can lead to activation of the immune system in zebrafish.
Nuno Gonçalves
Jan 51 min read


Light-based brain therapy reduces opioid relapse in rats
Researchers in the US have identified a specific brain circuit in rats that drives relapse following opioid use, with light-based stimulation mimicking this pathway, significantly reducing addictive behaviour.
Monique Havermans
Jan 51 min read


The top stories of 2025 from EARA
As the end of the year approaches, we reflect on the remarkable scientific discoveries made in 2025 across various fields, ensuring that all methodologies, including the use of animals, are integrated into the most contemporary biomedical research.
Helena Pinheiro
Dec 27, 20253 min read


Atlas reveals brain cell diversity in mice and marmoset brains
Researchers in the US created a detailed atlas showing how astrocytes, star-shaped support cells in the brain, differ across brain regions, animal species and life stages. The atlas will help to understand how these cells influence brain development, function and disease.
Inês Serrenho
Dec 27, 20251 min read


Anti-inflammatory drugs prolong breast cancer therapy in mice
A study in the Netherlands has discovered that corticosteroids, widely used anti-inflammatory drugs, may prolong the effect of hormone therapy for breast cancer in mice.
Helena Pinheiro
Dec 27, 20251 min read


Vaccine protects mice against severe allergic reactions
Researchers in France have developed a vaccine that protects mice against anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. This work could inform the development of new treatments for people with severe allergies.
Inês Serrenho
Dec 22, 20251 min read


Spanish animal research transparency continues to strengthen
Research institutions in Spain continue to strengthen their commitment to openness about animal research, according to the latest evaluation report covering 2024 and produced by the European Animal Research Association (EARA).
Inês Serrenho
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Pig study could improve health of premature babies
A study in the US used pigs as a model for a common liver complication caused by intravenous feeding in premature babies.
Helena Pinheiro
Dec 22, 20251 min read


Nicotine addiction explained by rat brain cells
A study from South Korea has discovered that astrocytes, a type of brain cell that helps maintain brain internal balance, play an active role in nicotine addiction in rats.
Helena Pinheiro
Dec 15, 20251 min read


Wild chimps prefer alcoholic fruits – a glimpse into human addiction
A US study has discovered that African chimpanzees routinely consume alcohol naturally present in overripe fruit that, given the size of their bodies, would be equivalent to having two drinks a day, suggesting that human addiction to alcohol has an evolutionary root.
Helena Pinheiro
Dec 8, 20251 min read


Petition to end primate research presented to German Parliament
Representatives from PETA and Doctors Against Animal Experiments presented to the petition committee of the German Parliament on 1 December, calling for a phased EU-wide end to primate research.
Monique Havermans
Dec 8, 20251 min read


Bird flu survives fever in mice
A UK study has shown that bird flu viruses continue to multiply in mice at high temperatures that would normally stop infection, explaining why some flu viruses are more dangerous to humans.
Inês Serrenho
Dec 8, 20251 min read
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