Policy on the Use of Animals for Research

Neuroscientific research takes many avenues. Very often, it is necessary to both use and sacrifice animals to further the bounds of knowledge. Because of the wide array of experiments that might be performed, IMPULSE cannot define specific procedures for the care and use of animals within an experiment. That being noted, IMPULSE does believe in the humane treatment of those animals used in research and the following items should be stated.

1. The United Stated Public Health Service has issued a policy (Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It is imperative and necessary that the research methods used in any article submitted for review to this journal follow both of these guidelines. A statement to this effect shall be included in the Materials and Methods section of any paper that is submitted to the Journal.

2. To further verify that the standard of humane care for animals has been upheld, a local committee (often called the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)) shall review any and all procedures that pertain to animal use or care. The committee should consist of scientists, a veterinarian, and at least one member of the community who is not affiliated with the body sponsoring the research in any way. Most institutions already have committees in place for such a purpose.

3. All research shall be in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.