Each year, more than twenty-five million animals are used for scientific research in the United States. More than ninety percent of these are mice (Ericson par 1). The Institute for Laboratory Animal Research of the US National Academy of Sciences argues that even the most sophisticated computers are unable to model the interactions between molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms and the environment, so like animals, making animal research necessary in many areas. Animal studies have been used in the past and will continue to be used in the future for a variety of applications in the field of orthopedics. No human testing may be carried out for any research unless adequate safety has been ensured. Any new implant material should meet various safety standards in terms of biocompatibility, mechanical stability, absence of local and systemic toxicity (Saraf 6). Opponents and supporters can agree that animal testing has been helpful in leading researchers to immense expanses of invaluable scientific discovery (Ericson para 9) Most medical discoveries of the twentieth century have included animal testing in some way (Saraf 6). Although there are numerous guidelines and protocols mandating the ethical treatment of laboratory animals, it is still a particularly controversial issue for animal rights activists and the general public (Ferdowsian 473). Most mammals are useful for experimentation due to their similar responses to humans. . They have similar brain functions, responses to stimuli, and cerebral cortices (Ferdowsian 476). These animal studies bridge the gap between impossible and dangerous experiments and safe human tests (Saraf 6). Legally, new drugs must be rigorously tested for toxicology in animals and deemed safe before examiners at... middle of paper... .../ehost/detail?vid=2&sid=cce657bc-4045-4709-b131- 6d7ff78c9426%40sessionmgr198&hid=102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d>. Web.Saraf, Shyam K. and Vinay Kumaraswamy. "Basic Research: Problems with Animal Testing." Indian Journal of Orthopedics 47.1 (2013): 6-9. Academic research completed. Network. 10 March 2014. .Web.Zurlo, Joanne. “No Animals Are Harmed: Toward a Paradigm Shift in Toxicity Testing.” Hastings Center Report Supplement (2012): S23-S26. MEDLINE. Network. 10 March 2014. . Net.