Laboratory Syrian hamster

Laboratory Syrian hamsters are special pets that scientists use to learn more about human health. These hamsters, known scientifically as Mesocricetus auratus, help researchers understand diseases like cancer, problems with how our bodies use food, and infections. By studying how hamsters react to certain conditions, scientists can find ways to help people stay healthier.

In 2014, Syrian hamsters made up about 14.6% of all animals used in research in the United States. This shows just how important they are for medical studies. These little hamsters may seem small, but they play a big role in helping doctors and scientists improve lives around the world.

Because they are easy to care for and have traits similar to humans, Syrian hamsters are a favorite choice for research. Their use in labs has led to many important discoveries that benefit human health and wellness.

Use in research

Since 1972, hamsters have been used in animal testing, but their numbers have gone down over time. In 2014, about 120,000 hamsters were used in research in the United States, making up 14.6% of all animals used in research that year. In 2013, Canada used around 1,931 hamsters for research, placing them as the sixth-most popular rodent in experiments there, after mice, rats, guinea pigs, squirrels, and voles.

Human medical research

Syrian hamsters are important in medical research because they help scientists understand human health problems. They are used to study many conditions, including different kinds of cancers, diseases related to metabolism, and infections.

Hamsters are used to study lung cancer caused by smoking and oral cancers. They are also used to research metabolic disorders like gallstones, diabetes, and heart diseases. In infection research, hamsters help scientists study viruses, bacteria, and parasites that make people sick. This research helps find better ways to treat and prevent human diseases.

Research on Syrian hamsters themselves

Golden hamsters have daily routines, such as running in their hamster wheel, which help scientists study circadian rhythms. Researchers like Martin Ralph and Michael Menaker discovered that a part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus controls these daily cycles.

Hamsters also have predictable behaviors, like scent-marking and body grooming, which are useful for the study of animal behavior. Studies on their animal welfare show that they prefer larger running wheels, comfortable bedding for nesting, and opaque tubes to sleep in.