The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

Choosing the right pain test in laboratory animal research isn’t just about the science. It’s about understanding your tools, your models, and even your own comfort level. In this episode of The LASt Word, we welcome Dr. James McNew, Clinical Veterinarian at Baylor College of Medicine, to share insights from his JAALAS paper ‘Comparison of Thermal and Mechanical Pain Testing Modalities in Sprague Dawley and Fischer 344 Rats (Rattus norvegicus)’. Join us as Jamie discusses his path into laboratory animal medicine, the collaborative journey behind the study, and surprising findings that challenge assumptions about genetic background and pain testing variability. You’ll also learn about the practical factors to consider when designing animal studies, why mentorship and collaboration matter, and how small research projects can lead to big contributions. Tune in for valuable advice for researchers looking to create better, more reproducible science!   Key Points From This Episode: Why Jamie chose lab animal medicine as a career path. Early exposure to research through veterinary scholar programs. How a side project became a published study. The benefits of building a strong mentorship and research team. Comparing pain test consistency across genetic backgrounds. Practical setup and acclimation techniques for pain testing. Why randomization and handling techniques matter. Unexpected findings on genetic background and pain variability. Insight into the pros and cons of different pain tests. Advice for choosing the right model and pain test.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. James McNew on LinkedIn ‘Comparison of Thermal and Mechanical Pain Testing Modalities in Sprague Dawley and Fischer 344 Rats (Rattus norvegicus)’ American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS) The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

There are loads of factors involved in anesthetizing pigs and in this episode of The LASt Word Podcast, we are talking about volatile anesthesia porcine stress syndrome in pigs. Today we are joined by an assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Dr. Jimmy Corrigan, to discuss his most recent publication, ‘The Incidence of Volatile Anaesthesia Porcine Stress Syndrome in Pigs Gives Indications for Physiology During Amnesia.’ Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jimmy’s career, what inspired him to start this study, who was involved, and more! We hear Jimmy’s intended hypothesis before learning about how it differed from what his research showed. Jimmy even tells us why malignant hyperthermia is not the be-all and end-all of animal welfare. Finally, our guest shares some tips for anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps and anesthetize pigs. To hear all this and so much more, be sure to press play now!   Key Points From This Episode: A warm welcome to today’s guest, Dr. Jimmy (James) Corrigan. His latest publication, what made him interested in it, and who was involved. What porcine stress syndrome is and the dangers of it. The hypothesis of his paper and what he was hoping to find out from the study. Some of the outcomes of Jimmy’s project. The importance of branching away from the focus on malignant hyperthermia. Jimmy shares some advice for anyone wanting to anesthetize pigs.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Jimmy Corrigan Email Address Dr. Jimmy Corrigan on Research Gate ‘The Incidence of Volatile Anesthesia Porcine Stress Syndrome in Pigs Gives Implications for Physiology During Amnesia’American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

The beauty of research is that you not only manage to answer the questions you set out to but you are also presented with the opportunity to answer questions you discover along the way. Today, we are joined by Dr. Abigail Michelson, a third-year resident in laboratory animal medicine with a special interest in primates and rabbits. We discuss her recent research project that attempted to evaluate a new therapeutic approach to C Bovis-affected mice. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Dr. Michelson’s career, her research project’s hypothesis, the team involved, the results of the study, and more! We delve into the challenges associated with skin microbiome before talking about the limitations of Dr. Michelson’s study. Finally, our guest shares some advice for anyone who needs to select stock for their studies. Thanks for listening in!   Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Dr. Abigail Michelson to the show. Dr. Michelson tells us about her career. The team that assisted her in her research project. What Dr. Michelson’s hypothesis was. All about our guest’s study and the results of it. Challenges she found with the skin microbiome. How the gut and skin microbiome interact. Limitations of Dr. Michelson’s study. Dr. Michelson’s advice about selecting stocks and strains.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Abigail Michelson on LinkedIn Tri-Institutional Training in Program in Animal Medicine and Science Postdoctoral FellowsAmerican Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

Consistency and minimizing stressors are imperative to any research study! Today on the LASt Word Podcast, instructor and clinical veterinarian at Tulane National Primate Research Centre, Dr. Adam K. Myers (DVM, LATG) joins us to discuss his latest paper, ‘Evaluating Outcomes of Diazepam Administration in Gradual Steps Introductions of Adult Male and Female Rhesus Macaques’. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Dr. Myers’ career journey, the team that assisted him with his study, a breakdown of the introduction methods, and what Dr. Myers’ hypothesis was for the study. We delve into a breakdown of the study’s design before discussing some of its findings. Dr. Myers also shares his thoughts on diazepam and its alternatives before unpacking some of the study’s limitations and challenges and his advice for anyone wanting to embark on pursuits similar to his own.   Key Points From This Episode: A look at Dr. Myers’ fascinating career. The team that helped him with his paper. A synopsis of the study’s introduction methods. Insight into Dr. Myers’ hypothesis for this study. Breaking down the highlights of the study’s design. An overview of some of the findings of this study. Dr. Myers’ thoughts on diazepam alternatives. A few of the study’s limitations and challenges.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Adam K. Myers on LinkedIn 'Evaluating Outcomes of Diazepam Administration in Gradual Steps Introductions of Adult Male and Female Rhesus Macaques' American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

Today we look closely at an essential educational program here at AALAS, the Institute for Laboratory Animal Management or ILAM. We are joined by the ILAM Class President for 2025, Perry Spires, a veteran Sales Specialist with over 20 years of experience at Hilltop Lab Animals, Inc. while boasting a BSc in Education. Perry begins with his job at Hilltop and how he uses his teaching experience in his current role before diving into ILAM and what it means to be Class President. We learn about ILAM’s target pool, the reasons to get involved with this program, how humor is maintained at ILAM and AALAS (and why this matters), and the people who Perry looks up to as motivation to keep pursuing excellence. To end, Perry shares the changes he’d make to improve the industry, what he’s looking forward to in his second year as ILAM Class President, and his advice to those starting their careers on a similar path.   Key Points From This Episode: Perry Spires describes his job at Hilltop Lab Animals and how he got into this line of work. His background in teaching and how he uses those skills at Hilltop. Washing golf carts at the local golf course and other jobs he’s had along the way. The ins and outs of ILAM and Perry’s role in it. Who ILAM is for and why it’s a good idea to get involved. Skit Night and Human Human Hungry Hippos – the fun side of ILAM and AALAS. Perry’s mentors and the industry leaders he looks up to. The industry-wide improvements he’d like to see. What he’d like to accomplish in his second stint as ILAM Class President. His favorite Winston Churchill quote and his advice to newbies in the industry.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Perry Spires on LinkedIn Perry Spires on Instagram Perry Spires on Facebook Perry Spires on X Hilltop Lab Animals, Inc. PennWest California Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM) Ed Miedel on LinkedIn AALAS Learning Library American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

Chiara Hampton, DVM, MS, DACVAA, is deeply committed to advancing research in porcine anesthesia and analgesia, a field of laboratory animal medicine that has lagged behind others. Serving as an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Veterinary School, Dr. Hampton’s research focuses on evidence-based practices to improve swine patient care, including collaborations with MDs on translational research. Recently, she published a paper in JAALAS, titled ‘Effect of Two Constant Rate Infusions of Lidocaine on the Anesthetic Requirement of Isoflurane in Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica).’ Joining us for today’s conversation, Dr. Hampton shares what drew her to porcine anesthesia before we dive into an in-depth discussion of her paper. She highlights the research team, breaks down key findings, and explains the study’s hypothesis. She also walks us through the study design, the specimens included, and the specialized equipment used. Additionally, she explores two key discussion points, addresses study limitations, and offers valuable advice for those considering lidocaine in their anesthesia protocols for pigs. Tune in for a wealth of valuable insights that will deepen your understanding of porcine anesthesia and its potential impact on veterinary care!   Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s special guest, Dr. Chiara Hampton. What got Dr. Hampton hooked on a path to pursue porcine anesthesia. The team that worked alongside her on the paper and their roles. Salient points from the paper and the hypothesis they analyzed for the study. The inspiration and structure of their study design, the specimens studied, and other specialized equipment used. Results of the study: expectations, surprises, and unforeseen curveballs. Two noteworthy discussion points and the study limitations they identified. Advice for anyone considering lidocaine in pig anesthesia protocols. A sneak peek at some very exciting news: the Research Animal Anesthesia Network (RAAN).   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Chiara Hampton, DVM, MS, DACVAA  University of Tennessee Knoxville, Veterinary School ‘Effect of Two Constant Rate Infusions of Lidocaine on the Anesthetic Requirement of Isoflurane in Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)’ American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

Leadership in laboratory animal science requires vision, adaptability, and a commitment to progress. Today, host Jennifer C. Smith sits down with Dr. James Macy, current AALAS president and director of the Animal Resources Center at Yale University. Dr. Macy shares his unique journey, from an early interest in veterinary medicine to becoming a key figure in lab animal science. He discusses his day-to-day responsibilities, including strategic planning, program funding, and balancing research facilitation with animal welfare. The conversation explores pivotal moments in Dr. Macy's career, including the mentors who shaped him and the challenges of building a robust infrastructure for animal research. He also reflects on the evolving field of lab animal science, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, communication skills, and forward-thinking solutions for emerging industry demands. Dr. Macy concludes with practical advice for those starting in the field and how to explore exciting volunteer opportunities with AALAS. Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with fascinating personal anecdotes and professional wisdom!   Key Points From This Episode: Introducing Dr. James Macy, his roles at Yale, and his daily responsibilities. Dr. Macy's journey to becoming a lab animal veterinarian and industry leader. Earning an externship at Emory University and how it solidified his passion for this field. Insights into how the lab animal track has become more common at universities. Dr. Macy’s favorite AALAS memory: a bidding war at an AALAS foundation auction. Reflections on mentors who shaped his career and his approach to mentoring. Where Dr. Macy would like to see changes in his field: funding infrastructure. What he would like to accomplish in 2025 as AALAS president. Some of Dr. Macy’s favorite quotes and how they apply to his field. Advice for newcomers: using strategic communication for navigating challenges. An invitation to explore volunteer opportunities with AALAS.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. James Macy | Yale School of Medicine Dr. James Macy on LinkedIn AALAS Learning Library AALAS Join & ConnectAmerican Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

Disinfectants play a crucial role in reducing contamination during lab animal handling, but how effective are they? In this episode, host Jennifer Smith speaks with Dr. Julia Smachlo, a clinical veterinarian at Biomere in Worcester, Massachusetts, to discuss her recent research into this question. Julia shares insights from her paper, ‘Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectants in Reducing Contamination of Bacterial and Viral Murine Pathogens on Gloved Hands’, and discusses the surprising findings. To determine their effectiveness during mouse handling, the study tested two disinfectants, Rescue and 70% ethanol. While pathogens were detected despite disinfection, some reductions were observed. Julia highlights the study’s limitations and explains the need for further research to fully understand these practices' impact. Julia also offers practical advice for institutions considering updates to their biosecurity protocols. This engaging conversation provides valuable perspectives on lab animal handling and contamination risks. Don’t miss it!   Key Points From This Episode: Dr. Julia Smachlo’s path to becoming a clinical veterinarian and researcher. How her residency at the University of Minnesota shaped her interest in lab animal medicine. Special acknowledgments to her team members for their research contributions. Biosecurity practices, cleaning, and monitoring methods to consider in lab animal programs. What inspired her study on disinfectant efficacy in reducing contamination on gloved hands. Murine norovirus, Helicobacter species, and Rodentibacter species as targets of the study. A breakdown of the study design, including the pilot study, and how they were conducted. Their use of Rescue (a hydrogen peroxide-based oxidizing agent) and 70% ethanol disinfectants; and PCR and ATP testing. The results of the study: why their hypothesis wasn’t proven, and surprising takeaways. Julia’s advice for refining handling techniques, like using disinfectable tubes between cages. Why institutions should adapt biosecurity practices to fit their specific rodent colonies.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Julia Smachlo on LinkedIn 'Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectants in Reducing Contamination of Bacterial and Viral Murine Pathogens on Gloved Hands' Jennifer Smith on LinkedInAmerican Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

What can mole-rats teach us about aging, genetics, and biomedical research? Joining us today is Dr. Rochelle Buffenstein, a comparative biologist and Research Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. With a PhD from the University of Cape Town and decades of experience, Dr. Buffenstein has pioneered the use of mole-rats as models for groundbreaking research in aging and physiology. Her latest study, featured in the November issue of the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS), explores the Damaraland mole-rat and its managed care. In this episode, Dr. Buffenstein delves into her 40-year journey with mole-rats, from her early days studying vitamin D metabolism in subterranean environments to uncovering the secrets of their exceptional aging processes. She explains the differences between Damaraland mole-rats and their better-known naked counterparts, highlighting unique traits like their cooperative breeding behaviors and genetic diversity. Dr. Buffenstein also shares insights into their care and housing, offering tips for researchers interested in adopting this fascinating model. Whether you’re curious about mole-rats’ potential to revolutionize biomedical research or intrigued by their ability to thrive in extreme environments, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration!   Key Points From This Episode: An overview of Dr. Buffenstein’s journey from Zimbabwe to pioneering mole-rat research. How collecting wild mole-rats sparked her fascination with their unique biology. What brought her to the US and her research focus on mole-rats’ aging processes. The value of studying naked mole-rats’ resistance to aging and physiological decline. An overview of Dr. Buffenstein’s innovative housing for better mole-rat welfare and research. How Damaraland mole-rats differ from their naked counterparts in behavior and genetics. What makes the Damaraland mole-rat’s breeding patterns unique and easier to manage. Details from her JAALAS paper on providing proper care for better research outcomes. How researchers can follow protocols to care for and study mole-rats. What makes mole-rats inspiring models for groundbreaking biomedical research.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Rochelle Buffenstein on LinkedIn ‘A New Laboratory Research Model: The Damaraland Mole-rat and Its Managed Care’ Jennifer Smith on LinkedIn American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

In this episode of the LASt Word (an AALAS podcast) we were joined by Alexis Skurnack and Dr. Shawn Lane. Alexis Skurnack is a Software Quality Assurance Analyst. She holds a BS degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources Ecology and Wildlife Management and is an experienced ALAT. Her research interests include ornithology, animal behavior, evolution, conservation, and wildlife management.  She previously was a Lab Animal Husbandry Technician at Oklahoma University Health Science Center Department of Comparative Medicine.   Shawn Lane serves as the Senior Clinical Veterinarian for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences’ Center (OUHSC)- Division of Comparative Medicine focusing on rodent clinical management and research support. Dr. Lane has a passion for advancing research by supporting surgical and procedural methodologies and enjoys working alongside researchers to find solutions to the problems they face. He also serves the OUHSC LAM Residency program as a Clinical Instructor.    They recently published a paper in JAALAS titled “Voluntary Wheel Running as an Effective Intervention in the Management of Excessive Food Usage in CD-1 Mice”.