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What did dogs teach humans about diabetes? - Duncan C. Ferguson

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Diabetes has a history dating back to Ancient Greece. Our treatment of it, however, is more recent and was originally made possible with the help of man's best friend. Due to physiological traits shared with humans, dogs have saved countless lives through the discovery of insulin. Duncan C. Ferguson shares the story of the canine's great contribution to man -- and how we can all reap the medical benefits.

Consider that humans and dogs can now be treated with recombinant expressed (manufactured in a test tube) insulin following molecular genetic sequencing. In light of this, have the need and the manner of animal experimentation become more refined over time?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Duncan C. Ferguson
  • Artist Chet Knebel, Jeremy Jusay
  • Animator Katie Wendt
  • Producer Aaron Augenblick
  • Compositor Kristofer Wollinger
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

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