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Image: Monument to the laboratory mouse |
The use of non-human animals in research is a longstanding practice to help us understand and improve human biology and health. Almost all disease-linked human genes have mouse counterparts. Identifying these will help researches develop mouse genetic models of human disease. The Monument to the Laboratory Mouse, located in the center of the scientific community, honors the mice that have played a crucial role in scientific research.
The monument dedicated to the laboratory mouse is an artistic creation, situated in a park in front of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The Artist's name is Maksim Petrovich Dmitriev. Made from bronze, the mouse sculpture itself stands at a modest 70 cm in height, yet with the solid granite pedestal, the monument reaches a height of 2.5 meters.
This monument serves as a tribute to the mice utilized in genetic research, highlighting their vital role in uncovering biological and physiological mechanisms, effectiveness, interactions and side effects for the development of new medications and pioneering novel treatments for various ailments. The sculpture depicts a laboratory mouse with spectacles adorning its nose, holding knitting needles in its paws and intricately knitting a double helix of DNA.
Entwined around the laboratory mouse, the strands of DNA spiral outward in an intricate dance of molecular elegance. Symbolizing the fundamental building blocks of existence, these spirals serve as a tangible representation of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the intricate web of genetic information that binds us together. With each twist and turn, they speak to the boundless potential of genetic exploration and the profound implications of our understanding of the genome.
As visitors approach the monument, they are greeted by a sense of wonder and honor, their footsteps echoing against the stone or metal that forms its foundation. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they find a sanctuary of contemplation and reflection, a space to pause and acknowledge the sacrifices made by laboratory mice in the name of scientific progress.
It serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities inherent in scientific research, urging all who behold it to approach the pursuit of knowledge with humility, compassion, and integrity. And as the sun sets on another day of exploration and discovery, the Monument to the Laboratory Mouse stands as a timeless tribute to the enduring legacy of scientific inquiry and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
The monument serves not only as a tribute to these unsung heroes of science but also as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of researchers and scientists, urging them to continue pushing the boundaries of genetic discovery and unlocking the mysteries of the genome for the betterment of humankind.
This article was published in the Galen Gazette, June 2024, Issue No. 02. The author, Tasfia Tabassum, is a third-year pharmacy student at Jahangirnagar University.
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