This Review examines the role of the gut mycobiome in health and disease states, based on findings from rodent models.

This study assesses various methods and timings for perfusion of fixatives to enhance brain histology, addressing ethical dilemmas associated with ante-mortem transcardiac perfusion and the lack of data on tissue quality using different techniques.

Many scientific breakthroughs have depended on animal research, yet the ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals in experimentation have long prompted discussions about humane treatment and responsible scientific practice. First articulated by Russell and Burch, the 3Rs Principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement have gained widespread recognition as basic guidelines for animal research. Over time, the 3Rs have transcended the research community, influencing policy decisions, animal welfare advocacy and public perception of animal experimentation. Despite their broad acceptance, interpretations of the 3Rs vary substantially, shaping statutory frameworks at various levels, with both technical and practical impacts.

The authors compare the pathogenicity of different SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages in K18-hACE2 mice, revealing the enhanced pathogenicity of the Omicron JN.1 and EG.5 lineages compared with the other variants in this model.

The authors present the GrimACE, an automated cage-side system that uses computer vision to score mouse pain and behavior. The tool, which detects postsurgery pain and analgesic effects, enables repeated, standardized welfare monitoring.

This study examines adrenal stress responses and injury signals in axolotl, showing that corticosterone dominates after amputation, while cortisol, which rises with handling stress, is the primary glucocorticoid in this species.

This Article details the methods used for rigorous assessment of disease interventions in a multicenter preclinical trial. Using stroke models as proof of concept, it offers adaptable protocols for any field requiring robust preclinical validation.

The authors used the PiggyBac and CRISPR–Cas9 systems to generate transgenic lines and gene knockouts in the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. These approaches are expected to broaden the range of applications for this model in preclinical research.

APOB100 mice on a Western diet develop human-like hyperlipidemia, retinal cholesterol buildup, choroidal cholesterol crystals and impaired retinal function, supporting their use for studying lipid contributions to age-related macular degeneration.