The RRRC has continued to refine cryopreservation techniques in the rat. Improvements to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) now allow sperm cryopreservation for a cost effect means of archiving large collection sets of rats.
Osmotic tolerance limits and effects of cryoprotectants on the motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of rat sperm. Si W, Benson JD, Men H, Critser JK. Cryobiology. 2006 Dec;53(3):336-48.
Vibration study of the Piezo-driven pipettes immersed in viscous liquids. Fan M, Agca Y, Critser JK, Feng F. Journal of Applied Physics 2006; 100(7):74701-74708.
Changes in rat spermatozoa function after cooling, cryopreservation and centrifugation processes. Kim S, Agca C, Agca Y. Cryobiology. 2012 Jun 30.
05.21.2026
Weather and Shipping
The welfare of the animals is of utmost importance and as we head into the summer months, inclement weather and excessive heat will delay/prevent shipments of live animals. Be aware that hot temperatures between June and mid-September may negatively impact the ability of couriers to safely ship animals so please plan your live animal orders accordingly.
05.21.2026
Provide Your Input on NIH's Proposed Strategic Plan by May 26, 2026.
The NIH is currently seeking input for its next strategic plan, and a major focus of this framework involves the future of animal research. Because these high-level policies directly impact the future of the RRRC and your work, it’s crucial that the scientific community participates. The NIH has provided a short feedback form that only takes a few minutes to complete. Please consider submitting your input. URL: https://grants.nih.gov/
07.30.2025
Animal Models and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
NAMs are lab (e.g., organoids and iPSCs) or computer-based methods intended to expand our tools for modeling human biology and disease. While this field is rapidly evolving, the need for animal models remains, especially for situations where a complex biological system is necessary. In addition, animal models serve as vital in vivo controls for the validation and verification of emerging NAMs.