Across the board, comparative studies have found that modern non-animal science learning methods, such as interactive computer software, teach students anatomy and complex biological processes as well as—and in most cases better than—the cruel and crude use of live or dead animals. Research shows that these methods are associated with increased learning efficiency, higher examination scores, and student confidence and satisfaction. In fact, in 2008, the National Science Teachers Association amended its position statement to reflect the effectiveness of non-animal learning methods and to encourage their use.. The following are just a few of the ethical, effective, and economical resources for studying anatomy and physiology without harming animals:
Digital Frog International offers the Digital Frog 2.5 software. In addition to providing virtual dissection, Digital Frog 2.5 contains a comprehensive anatomy and physiology section with human anatomy comparisons. This includes high-quality videos of muscle contractions, including in the frog and human hearts, and nerve impulses.
V-Frog is the world's first virtual reality-based frog dissection software designed for biology education. Using a simple mouse and basic personal computer, a student can pick up a scalpel, cut and open the skin of the frog, and explore anatomy, physiology, and evolution, just like he or she would with a physical frog.
Zahourek Systems offers a variety of "Anatomy in Clay" skeleton models. Students can use special clay to sculpt muscles and organs onto durable, reusable skeletons. As the Anatomy in Clay designers point out, a major failing of traditional dissection is "that it is difficult to understand the construction of anatomy when approached from the outside in. … If the system is built first, and then dissected, the value of the dissection is increased tremendously." A variety of skeletal models with clay and resource materials are available.
Thieme Medical Publishers offers a number of physiology simulations. According to the company, "The Virtual Physiology series consists of 5 interactive simulation CD-ROMs: SimNerv, SimMuscle, SimVessel, SimHeart and SimPatch. The series covers the entire field of nerve-muscle physiology and simulates all of the classic experiments conducted by medical, dental, veterinary, zoology, and science students."
Sheffield Biosciences offers physiology computer learning packages that are superior alternatives to the use of live animals, including "Nerve Physiology," "Muscle Physiology," and "Frog Heart" programs.