Oregon National Primate Research Center

In 2007, ONPRC scientists were the first to utilize cloning to reproduce primate embryos, and then extract embryonic stem cells — a procedure only previously performed in rodents, and which garnered expectations of being reproduced in humans.[11] This breakthrough was named the number one scientific achievement of the year by Time magazine.[12] In 2011, the center cloned chimeric monkeys using stem cells from six different monkeys, also a first.[13]

Researchers have identified factors that prevent the repair of brain damage caused by multiple sclerosis, complications of premature birth, and other diseases;[14] as well as a key gene that impacts the timing of puberty and can shorten the time span for reproduction.[15]

Recent publications have suggested that a component of the immune system damaged by AIDS might be replaceable,[16] and have indicated a way to detect intra-amniotic infections in non-human primates, which may result in the development of a test for infections that cause premature birth in humans.[17]

Findings in the area of obesity research include the role of the hormone leptin in causing/preventing obesity, how leptin resistance occurs and can be reversed,[18] how a high-fat diet during pregnancy affects the foetus,[19] how the natural hormone PYY can cause limited weight loss,[20] and how reduced caloric intake may slow aging and weakening of the immune system.[21]

In June 2013, 21 macaques were injured and 6 macaques were killed or were euthanized when fighting broke out among a group of 260 macaques who were being housed together. Staff believed that fighting broke out due to loud noises from construction near the macaques' housing.[22][23]

In June 2013, the USDA reported several health and facility problems at the ONPRC. First, they reported that more than 50% of rhesus macaques had significant hair loss. Staff at the ONPRC did not know why it was occurring. The USDA also reported dirty and soiled bedding in some of the primate housing areas, as well as muddy areas in some of the outdoor housing areas. Additionally, the USDA reported cracked walls and defects in floor coating in some of the indoor housing areas, which made it difficult to clean and disinfect.[22][23]

In 2014, the USDA reported that a macaque was killed during an imaging procedure after the staff accidentally left a valve closed on the anesthesia machine.[22][23]

In February 2014, two animals suffered burns from an electric heating pad which was used during a procedure. The burns on one animal were so bad that the animal required surgery.[24]

In March 2015, the USDA reported that staff did not follow appropriate protocols when injecting a macaque with an experimental substance, which resulted in lesions to the macaque's skin. The staff made several breaches of protocol by giving the macaque six injections rather than the approved single injection, not shaving the injection site, and not notifying veterinary staff and the IACUC within the required 72 hours after the injection.[25]

In January 2016, the USDA reported that during 2015 an animal died after being entrapped in a chain in its enclosure. The chain was part of an enrichment device with an obsolete design.[26][23]

In February 2017, the USDA reported that two animals were harmed and one of which had to be euthanized after staff accidentally used a tuberculin syringe rather an insulin syringe to inject the animals with insulin.[27]

In February 2017, the USDA reported that a baboon broke its hand, which has likely due to a heavy guillotine door. The USDA also made note of excessive cobwebs and dust in some of the animal areas, which create both health risks and fire risks.[27]

In February 2018, the USDA reported that a primate was erroneously assigned to a surgical procedure despite being restricted from involvement in any more surgeries. The primate had been given a C-section in one produce and an embryo transfer in another procedure.[28]

In February 2018, the USDA reported a primate's tail was caught in a gap between two enclosures which resulted in a degloving injury and for which the staff then amputated the tail.[28]

In February 2018, the USDA reported that a juvenile primate died after getting trapped behind a wall-hung cage.[28]

In February 2018, a primate was not given buprenorphine (used to alleviate pain) or cefazolin (used to treat infections) after surgery, which was part of the approved protocol.[29]

In May 2018, a young primate was trapped in PVC pipes of a resting perch. The primate was treated by veterinarians but was later euthanized after its condition deteriorated.[29]

In July 2018, the USDA reported that two primates died after their anesthesia was inadequately monitored during surgery.[30]

In January 2020, a juvenile macaque was trapped under a steel trough drain cover after a technician had not properly secured the cover.[31]

In August 2020, two macaques were killed when a technician accidentally put their cage, with the macaques inside, into an automatic cage washer.[31][23][32]

In October 2020, two macaques managed to escape from their cages and injured five other macaques, who were in their cages.[31]

In October 2021, two macaques were injured after the barrier between their cages malfunctioned, which allowed the macaques to access each other. The macaques fought and sustained injuries which took several days to heal.[33]