By Dr. Miriam Schneider | Senior Researcher Introducing the HeroRATS to alternative training Improving the accuracy of scent detection is one of the most important aims for APOPO’s TB-detection rats. APOPO’s Research & Development (R&D) team recently embarked on the development of an alternative procedure, using an operant conditioning chamber to train the HeroRATs. APOPO researches …
By Christophe Cox | CEO APOPO Joy Milne visits the APOPO training center in Tanzania. “Joy Milne is better known as The woman who can smell Parkinson’s. In December, I saw Joy’s media appearances and learned about her collaboration with Edinburgh and Manchester Universities. At the 2018 People’s Postcode Lottery annual Charity Gala in Edinburgh, I met her …
THE WOMAN WHO SMELLS PARKINSON’S MEETS THE RATS WHO SMELL TB Read More »
By Dr. Lena Fiebig | APOPO Head of TB March 24 is World TB day. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the tuberculosis-causing bacteria, and it aims to raise global awareness of this devastating disease. World TB day, proposed at the 100th anniversary of Koch’s …
Its official, APOPO has been ranked as Top-Rated Non-Profit on GreatNonProfits for the second year in a row. Rankings are based on reviews from supporters around the world and more than 137 people have ranked APOPO as a five star worthy organisation. Below are a selection of reviews posted to GreatNonProfits about APOPO. The APOPO …
Last month APOPO were excited to announce the appointment of the organisations new Head of Training and Behavioural Research. Dr. Cynthia Fast holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Psychology specialising in Learning and Behaviour and Behavioural Neuroscience from UCLA. Cindy has more than ten years of experience conducting behavioural research with a variety of species including …
MEET CINDY – APOPO’S NEW HEAD OF TRAINING AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH Read More »
The African giant pouched rat has become famous for its size and remarkable ability to save lives by sniffing out landmines and tuberculosis. The animal is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa above South Africa with four main species identified – Cricetomys gambianus, Cricetomys emini, Cricetomys ansorgei, and Cricetomys kivuensis. What species are the HeroRATs? The HeroRATs …
What comes to mind when you think of rats? Disease, death, or the creatures scampering just a feet away from you on the subway? It’s time to rethink everything you’ve ever thought about rats and discover these amazing creatures for yourself. Rethink Rats FactsFact #1: Rats laugh when tickled. In fact, tickling has even been shown to …
TEN SURPRISING FACTS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR RETHINK RATS Read More »
You may recognise this iconic image from the trailer for latest instalment of the Jurassic Park series, this summer’s blockbuster movie, Jurassic World. We promise not to give away any spoilers about the film here but we do want to explore one of the main themes of the film: Clicker Training. It is no secret …