The Humane Research Trust

30/05/2026

To understand the human brain, you can't just experiment on animals.

This World MS Day, we’re highlighting research that shows why. 🧠

A major new study has strengthened the link between multiple sclerosis and the Epstein-Barr virus - a common virus most of us carry, but which in some people appears to trigger harmful immune responses that affect the brain.

MS is a uniquely human neurological condition. It sits at the crossroads of the brain, the immune system and the microbes we live with - something animal models struggle to capture.

That’s why we welcome patient-based research like this, which delivers insights rooted in real human biology.

It’s also why our supporters recently chose neurological conditions and the microbiome as the focus for our next funding round, recognising the growing role viruses and microbes play in brain health.

Progress for people with MS depends on research that reflects the real complexity of the human body.

☀️ If you want to see a brighter future for neuro research, please consider supporting our Humane Neuroscience Appeal today: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/humane-neuroscience-appeal/

The Epstein-Barr virus seems to affect gene expression and cell signalling in a way that causes the autoimmune condition multiple sclerosis

28/05/2026

🧠 Every year, thousands of stroke treatments fail when they reach patients.

One reason? Animal brains - used in neuroscience research - are not the same as the human brain.

This Action on Stroke Month, we’re highlighting a project we fund that uses a human model to study cerebral small vessel disease, which is a major cause of stroke and dementia.

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) damages tiny blood vessels in the brain, limiting blood supply to nearby areas of the brain. It's responsible for 25% of strokes.

To tackle this issue, we're currently funding a project at the University of Oxford where scientists are studying the condition.

To do so, they're taking stem cells from patients with hereditary forms of cSVD, and growing them in ‘organ-on-chip’ lab systems.

By essentially recreating miniature brain blood vessels in the lab, they can learn how interactions between cells in them are disrupted in cases of cSVD, and how this then leads to issues like stroke. 💡

Learn more about this project and how it's helping to replace animal experiments in stroke research: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/research/a-new-model-of-cerebral-small-vessel-disease/

26/05/2026

Congratulations to the winners of our 'Name the dog' competition we hosted at the Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Duck Race last weekend! 🏆

🥇 Frank won the 1st prize - our lovely pup teddy, who he has named 'Mark'
🥈 Viv took home 2nd prize, a big hamper of goodies from our shop

Thanks to everyone who came down and visited our stall during the event, and who took part in the competition. We're delighted to have raised much-needed funds which will go towards replacing animals in science! 🐁

25/05/2026

💚 A huge congratulations to our wonderful supporter, Cheryl Easton! 💚

Last weekend, Cheryl took on the Jurassic Coast Challenge (2nd quarter) - a tough and unpredictable route made even harder by changeable weather - and she powered through to the finish. What an achievement! 🌦️

Cheryl also smashed her fundraising target, raising vital funds to support animal‑free, human‑relevant medical research. Along the way, Cheryl proudly wore her Humane Research Trust t‑shirt, sparking conversations with people who were excited to learn that medical research without animal cruelty is possible.

Cheryl has now set her fundraising total to an incredible £1,000, and there’s still time to show your support 👇

https://www.justgiving.com/page/cheryl-easton-11?msockid=23c3ae6f4e3a6b4502fbbb344f176a76

Thank you, Cheryl, for your determination, generosity, and for being such a brilliant ambassador for humane science. We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done.🐾

24/05/2026

❓How do you study a human disease in an animal that never gets it?

For decades, Alzheimer’s research has focused on 'amyloid plaques' - sticky protein clumps that build up in the brains of people with the disease.

In mice engineered to develop amyloid plaques, treatments that remove these clumps often appear to work. Memory improves. Plaques disappear. Headlines follow.

🚩 But in people, the story is very different.

A new study says that anti-amyloid medications may not have any clinically meaningful positive effects, and may increase the risk of swelling and bleeding in the brain.

That’s because Alzheimer’s isn’t just about plaques. It’s a complex, uniquely human disease shaped by ageing, brain structure, biology and time - none of which animal models can fully replicate.

This Dementia Action Week, we’re calling for a shift towards non-animal research that reflects the real complexity of dementia, and offers genuine hope to the people still waiting.

21/05/2026

Exciting news! ✨

Our spring newsletter is now in the post to supporters. 🗞️

We're delighted to share our latest news with you: from the results of our recent poll and some exciting updates on our work, to some fantastic competitions and other ways for you to get involved!

We hope you enjoy sitting down with a cuppa in the sun for a read! If you're not currently subscribed via post and would like to receive a copy, please do get in touch so we can arrange this.

We'll also be in touch with our email subscribers - so make sure to sign up for email news if you'd prefer your updates digitally! You can opt-in to email news via our website: www.humaneresearch.org.uk or by DMing us.

20/05/2026

Did you know there is no legal requirement for animal testing in the UK?

Yet last year alone more than 150,000 animals were used for this purpose here in Great Britain.

This could involve things like repeat dosing by injection, stomach tube, skin exposure, or by forced inhalation.

The UK government confirms:

💬 "There is no United Kingdom legislation that mandates animal testing."

💬 "Data from a suitably validated model that has been demonstrated to be predictive could be submitted in lieu of animal data."

So why are animals still being used?

💡 Because change is slow - and alternative methods still need further investment, validation, and regulatory acceptance.

It's a common misconception that the safety testing of potential medicines has to be done on animals.

19/05/2026

Does an imbalanced gut microbiome cause Crohn's disease, or is it just a symptom?

Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) want to find out.

They're culturing cells derived from patients to form ‘organoids’, groups of cells that mimic the intestine. This means they can recreate the gut microbiome in a microaerobic chamber.

By studying how gut cells interact with the surrounding
microorganisms, they will produce new insights into this chronic disease.

This exciting project recently received our charity's Andrew Berwitz Award, in recognition of Andrew’s service to the Trust as trustee and treasurer for 29 years.

Read more: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/research/crohns-disease-and-the-gut-microbiome/

17/05/2026

We're here at Bramhall Duck Race today talking to the local community about our work!

If you're local to us, please do pop down to the beautiful Bramhall park today to enjoy the festivities.

There's a fair, lots of games, food and drink and hopefully a lot of sunshine ☀️

Thanks to Bramhall and Woodford Rotary for organising the event.

14/05/2026

Enter our animal and wildlife photography competition!

Nature guru and THRT patron Chris Packham will be judging the competition and picking the top 12 photos that will feature in our 2026 calendar.

The winning photos will be printed on the pages of the calendar and sold to raise money for our cause! So, if you have any lovely photos of animals - be it wild or a companion animal - make sure to submit them!

⏰ Entries close on Sunday 29 June at 23:59

Enter at

Do you love photographing animals - from the pets who share your sofa to the wildlife visiting your garden or […]