Working with Insects in Research Settings

Describes the diversity of insects and common model species, the use of insects in research, and the possible human health concerns of working with insects.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21664 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University

Discusses the notion of welfare, what sentience is and the relevance of the precautionary principle in cases in which sentience is uncertain, three ethical frameworks that bear on animal research, the 3Rs and examples of their application, what an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is and how it can be a resource to those who work with legally unprotected animals like insects, the breadth of the ethical responsibilities of principal investigators (PIs), and where to look for more discussion of animal research ethics and its application to insects.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21665 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University

Explains the general features of insect anatomy and physiology, biological features unique to different orders or model species of insects, behavioral characteristics of different orders or model species of insects, and biological and behavioral characteristics relevant to welfare and humane treatment.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21666 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University

Covers the husbandry considerations for working with insects in laboratory settings and training and laboratory management practices that improve humane practice.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21667 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University

Describes procedures that may induce pain or distress in insects, potential signs of pain or distress in insects, basic strategies to refine a study design, and humane endpoints in insect research.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21668 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University

Discusses the currently available evidence for best practices regarding analgesic and anesthetic use in insects, the distinctive considerations and available methods for insect euthanasia, the specific challenges of anesthesia and euthanasia for diverse insects, and the benefits and drawbacks of different delivery methods of an anesthetic or euthanasia agent.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21669 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University

Addresses best practices for working with insects in the field, factors that can minimize harm to insects during transportation, and how it may be possible to incorporate humane practices into applied work.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21670 (English)
Author(s): Meghan Barrett, PhD - Indiana University Indianapolis; Bob Fischer, PhD - Texas State University