Annual Review of Animal Biosciences - Volume 13, 2025

Nutrition is a complex and contested area in biomedicine, which requires diverse evidence sources. Nonhuman primate models are considered an important biomedical research tool because of their biological similarities to humans, but they are typically used with little explicit consideration of their ecology and evolution. Using the rhesus macaque (RM), we consider the potential of nutritional ecology for enriching the use of primates as models for human nutrition. We introduce some relevant aspects of RM evolutionary and social ecology and discuss two examples where they have been used in biomedical research: obesity and aging. We next consider how insights from nutritional ecology can help inform and direct the use of RM as a biomedical model. We conclude by illustrating how conceptual tools might inform the use of RM as a model for human nutrition and extracting insights from RM that might be relevant to broader theoretical considerations around animal model systems.

Porcine cancer models offer a valuable platform for evaluating interventions such as devices, surgeries, and locoregional therapies, which are often challenging to test in mouse models. In addition to size and anatomical similarities with humans, pigs share greater similarities in genetics, immunity, drug metabolism, and metabolic rate with humans as compared to mouse models, increasing their translational relevance. This review focuses on the Oncopig Cancer Model, a genetically engineered porcine model designed to recapitulate human cancer. Harboring a transgenic cassette that expresses oncogenic mutant KRAS and TP53 under control of a Cre-Lox system, the Oncopig allows temporal and spatial control of tumor induction. Its versatility has enabled the development of diverse cancer models including liver, pancreatic, lung, and bladder cancer. Serving as a clinically relevant model for human cancer, the Oncopig addresses unmet clinical needs and holds immense promise for advancing preclinical cancer research and therapeutic development.

The northern white rhinoceros (NWR) is functionally extinct, with only two nonreproductive females remaining. However, because of the foresight of scientists, cryopreserved cells and reproductive tissues may aid in the recovery of this species. An ambitious program of natural and artificial gametes and in vitro embryo generation was first outlined in 2015, and many of the proposed steps have been achieved. Multiple induced pluripotent stem cell lines have been established, primordial germ cell–like cells have been generated, oocytes have been collected from the remaining females, blastocysts have been cryopreserved, and the closely related southern white rhinoceros (SWR) is being established as a surrogate. Recently, the first successful embryo transfer in SWR demonstrated that embryos can be generated by in vitro fertilization and cryopreserved. We explore progress to date in using advanced cellular technologies to save the NWR and highlight the necessary next steps to ensure a viable population for reintroduction. We roll out a holistic rescue approach for a charismatic megavertebrate that includes the most advanced cellular technologies, which can provide a blueprint for other critically endangered mammals. We also provide a detailed discussion of the remaining questions in such an upgraded conservation program.

Most conservation programs and laws aim to prevent extinction. However, there is a gulf between such aspirations and the current reality of escalating biodiversity loss. This review focuses on efforts to prevent extinctions in Australia, but much of this consideration is likely to apply globally. As context, we consider the reasons for trying to prevent extinction, review Australia's extinction record, and note that there are likely to be many more extinctions than formally recognized. We describe recent cases where conservation actions have prevented extinction. We note that extinction is a pathway rather than solely an endpoint, and many decisions made or not made on that pathway can determine the fate of species. We conclude that all looming extinctions can and should be prevented. This will require transformational change in legislation, increased resourcing, more consideration of poorly known species, and increased societal recognition of the need to be responsible for the care of country.