"Push to End Controversial Forced Swim Test in Depression Research Gains Momentum"

Amid the labyrinth of scientific inquiry into the darkness of depression, a long-standing experimental practice, the forced swim test (FST), is now facing a sea change. Pioneered in 1977, this test has been a cornerstone in the study of antidepressant drugs, based on a simple premise: observe how long a rodent swims before resigning to float when placed in a container of water. The underlying assumption was straightforward—an afflicted animal would surrender sooner, whereas treatments like antidepressants would imbue them with a fighting spirit. Annually, this method has buoyed the research findings of approximately 600 papers.

However, the tide is turning. A growing wave of skepticism has emerged, challenging the test's validity in truly gauging depression and predicting human reactions to treatment. Critics argue that the FST might not only be an inaccurate barometer of despair but also unnecessarily harsh on the test subjects. The recent decision by the United Kingdom's Home Office, echoing earlier moves by Australia, demands researchers to substantiate their use of the FST. This move hints at a broader intent to phase out the practice, signaling a pivotal moment in the realm of animal testing.

This contentious scenario has propelled scientists to venture beyond traditional waters in search of more humane and accurate methods. Among them is neurobiologist Anne Mallien, who, along with the scientific community, finds herself at a crossroads, yearning for alternatives that are yet to be fully realized.

The crux of the critique against the FST lies not only in its ethical implications but also in its scientific merit. Researchers and animal rights advocates argue that the stress-induced by the test muddies the waters, making the interpretation of results less clear. The question looms large: Do these tests accurately mirror human conditions, or are they merely a Sisyphean task, marching time and resources up a hill only to watch them tumble down?

The quest for refinement in this field has led scientists like Marco Bortolato to innovate. His development of a test that evaluates persistence in the face of adversity—a mouse navigating a water tank with sinking platforms—offers a glimmer of hope. This test, which utilizes warm water to reduce stress, could be a significant stepping stone toward kinder and potentially more revealing research methodologies.

Moreover, the push for diversity in testing recognizes that the spectrum of human depression cannot be distilled into a single model or test. The work of neurobiologist Moritz Rossner exemplifies this approach, with his partially automated system, PsyCoP, monitoring mice through a series of behavior tests that cover a range of symptoms. This method has already offered nuanced insights into treatments like lithium for bipolar disorder, underscoring the limitations and opportunities of current and future testing paradigms.

As the scientific community sails into uncharted waters, the collective resolve to refine, innovate, and empathize could very well reshape the future of depression research. This shift not only promises more ethically grounded practices but also holds the potential to unlock deeper understandings of mental health, steering us closer to the shores of hope and healing.

Source: [Science.org](https://www.science.org/content/article/pressure-grows-to-ditch-controversial-rodent-test-in-depression-studies)