Web tool aims to reduce flaws in animal studies.

A free online tool that visualizes the design of animal experiments and gives critical feedback could save scientists from embarking on poorly designed research, the software's developers hope. Over the past few years, researchers have picked out numerous flaws in the design and reporting of published animal experiments, which, they warn, could lead to bias. In response, hundreds of journals have agreed to voluntary guidelines for reporting animal studies: checklists of best practice, such as what statistical calculations to use to ward off error. But these lists kick in after scientists submit a paper , says Nathalie Percie du Sert, who specializes in experimental design at the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) in London. " When you get to the reporting stage, that's a bit too late, " she says. " We want researchers to think about these issues at the design stage. " Traditionally, World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL) or World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week (WLALW) is the third and fourth week in April, and this tradition continues. There are several events scheduled across the country and internationally. Please use this opportunity to review fundamental security measures including:  Wear visible Duke photo ID badge  All animal facilities require entrance by card reader access. Do not open doors into these areas for individuals without proper Duke ID