Which is an example of reduction in animal research?

• A. Conducting an MRI on the brain instead of performing surgery.
• B. Performing more surgeries to validate results.
• C. Using more animals to verify results.
• D. Extending the study duration without reason.

Answer: (A)

Reduction means obtaining the same scientific information with fewer animals, often by replacing invasive methods with non-invasive techniques or by getting more data from each animal. Using MRI to image the brain instead of performing surgery fits this idea because MRI is non-invasive and can provide the needed anatomical or functional data without opening up or altering the brain. It can also allow repeated measurements in the same animal, which can reduce the total number of animals required. The other options would increase animal use or unnecessary duration, so they don’t demonstrate reduction.