The European Space Agency (ESA) is opposing experiments on monkeys in its partnership with the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) in a project called Mars 500. ESA made their position clear following our exposé of the Russian tests.

In an inadequate attempt to simulate a mission to Mars, longterm radiation experiments are being performed on monkeys. The purpose is to investigate the effects of radiation on the life expectancy of the monkeys as well as the risk of cancer. Experiments will include exposure to deadly levels of radiation, weightlessness, an unnatural diet, severe confinement, and prolonged isolation.

http://www.savetheprimates.org/news/european-space-agency-opposes-mars-monkey-experiments

ScienceDaily (Jan. 20, 2010) - The parasite that causes malignant malaria in humans has been detected in gorillas, along with two new species of malaria parasites, reports a study co-authored by UC Irvine biologist Francisco Ayala.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119133517.htm

ScienceDaily (Jan. 15, 2010) - Contrary to a widely held scientific theory that the mammalian Y chromosome is slowly decaying or stagnating, new evidence suggests that in fact the Y is actually evolving quite rapidly through continuous, wholesale renovation.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113131505.htm

By SANDRA CHEREB Associated Press Writer

CARSON CITY, Nev.-A monkey at a Reno animal research lab was killed last year when workers failed to remove it before its cage was sent through a commercial cage washer, an animal rights group and the lab confirmed Tuesday.

Amy Cianciaruso, a spokeswoman for Charles River Laboratories, called the primate's death April 6 an "unfortunate incident" caused by human error and said steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence.

An animal rights group claimed the long-tailed macaque was "literally boiled alive."

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_14126563?nclick_check=1

PASSION FOR PRIMATES

Passion for the Planet TV is teaming up with ADI (Animal Defenders
International) to highlight key animal welfare issues and bring them to
a wider audience. 

From 11th May, Passion for the Planet TV will be featuring ADI films
'Save the Primates', 'Toto Goes Home', 'Big Cat Rescue', and 'Stop
Circus Suffering' which show the plights of primates in research and the
suffering of circus animals.

MEPs vote to support non-animal research but strip away protection from wild caught primates; and remove prior authorisation requirements for over 4million experiments