JACKSONVILLE, Ill.– Turner Scientific, a world leader in animal laboratory environmental monitoring, has chosen Craig A. Hodges, Ph.D., as the winner of its 2020 Sensory Sentinel™ grant to promote animal welfare and improved research. Dr. Hodges is Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.
Dr. Hodges is a leading researcher into the causes and treatments of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder characterized by chronic lung infections, poor growth, gastrointestinal disorders, and shortened lifespan. “Mice are very well suited to study CF, but are particularly fragile and susceptible to variable living conditions,” stated Dr. Hodges. “Using the Sensory Sentinel in my lab will improve the welfare of my animals, and reduce the number of animals needed by protecting them from excessive environmental stimuli.”
Among the many applicants for the grant, Dr. Hodges’ proposal most effectively embraced the purpose of using the Sensory Sentinel. “We offer the Sensory Sentinel primarily to protect animal welfare and improve the quality of research generated by leading scientists,” said Jeremy Turner, Ph.D., founder of Turner Scientific. “Dr. Hodges’ CF research leads to life-saving breakthroughs, and we are very proud to support this work.”
Turner Scientific is a provider of devices and consulting services to measure variables in laboratory environments that are harmful to animals. The Sensory Sentinel, Turner Scientific’s flagship product, was introduced in October 2020 and represents the culmination of years of technological development led by Dr. Turner. Capable of measuring noise, vibration, temperature, humidity, and light both in animal rooms and cages, this device allows research scientists and animal facility managers to identify and reduce harmful and excessive levels of these environmental conditions.
Dr. Hodges will receive a Sensory Sentinel device and adequate consultation to allow for proper installation, use, and interpretation of data.
