New mRNA Cancer Vaccine Triggers Fierce Immune Response to Fight Brain Tumors
In a first-ever human clinical trial of four adult patients, an mRNA cancer vaccine developed at the University of Florida quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor.
The Brain’s Ability to Compensate for Aging by Utilizing Different Neural Circuits
The rat model study, published recently in the Journal of Neuroscience, was designed to test the hypothesis that cognitive impairments due to the aging of certain brain circuits would result in compensatory use of other brain regions to solve tasks.
Novel Method to Restore Breathing After Opioid Overdose, Spinal Cord Injury
The work by researchers at UF’s Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center included international collaborators and found that temporal interference stimulation could prevent fatal apnea after opioid overdose in rats.
How Anti-Cancer Drugs Impact Aquatic Ecosystems
A group of graduate students working on a class project at the University of Florida developed a critical review of what’s known — and unknown — about the effects of certain cancer drugs on aquatic ecosystems.
Study Describes New Standard of Care for UF Laboratory Mice
“We are one of the very few institutions in the United States to establish non-aversive handling of mice as a standard of care, and this is the first study to show the positive effects of non-aversive handling on breeding mice,” said Penny Reynolds, Ph.D., an assistant professor of anesthesiology and coauthor on the study.
New Insights Into Factors That Could Help Predict the Efficacy of Gene Therapies
A new mouse-model study led by UF neuroscientists lends new insights into factors that could help predict the efficacy of gene therapies using a genetically engineered antibody to target abnormal tau proteins, considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Animal Research Project Lifecycle
1. Acquire Funding
Connect to UF Research for guidance on the funding aspect of the Research Lifecycle. ACS Business Staff and Veterinarians are available to assist with budget planning for animal research funding. Contact the ACS Customer Service/Front Office for assistance.
2. Get Connected
Request access to goIACUC and myACS to create access accounts for you and your staff. Enroll in the Animal Contact Program and complete the Animal Contact Risk Assessment Form. Connect with EH&S for Animal Research Health & Safety tips and requirements.
3. IACUC Protocol
Protocol submission, review & approval are done through goIACUC. Working on IACUC required training in conjunction with protocol writing can accelerate approval. Contact the ACS Front Office to be connected with an ACS veterinarian for animal related protocol assistance.
4. Facility Access
Visit the ACS Facility Access page for a complete step-by-step list of requirements for gaining access to ACS facilities.
5. Prepare & Plan
Explore the Services, Animal Training Information and Investigator Resources available to assist in preparing, improving and achieving your research goals.
6. Order Animals
All animal orders must be submitted through myACS Animal Order. This includes both external vendors and ACS Rodent Models Breeding Core orders.
7. Begin Research
You are ready to get started! ACS & IACUC have many skilled and dedicated staff members available for guidance and research support.
Our Mission at ACS
It is the mission of Animal Care Services to provide excellent service to the University of Florida researchers by:
Providing a humane and high quality animal care and use program through proper veterinary and husbandry care, emphasizing respect and being an advocate for the research animal.
Providing high quality service to the research staff members with expertise, guidance, and support in all areas of their animal research efforts.