“In vivo” is a Latin expression meaning “in the living.” The term is used to describe research, experiments or procedures carried out on living organisms such as animals, plants or humans. In contrast to in vitro research, which takes place outside of a living organism (e.g. in a test tube or on a culture plate), in vivo research allows biological processes and the effects of substances to be studied under natural conditions in a living organism. This makes it possible to observe the interactions (German translation: Wechselwirkungen) between cells, tissues, organs and the organism as a whole and to evaluate the overall effects on the health and function of the organism.

Important aspects of in vivo studies:

• Complexity: In vivo studies enable the study of biological processes in the full complexity of the living organism by taking the interactions between different body systems into account.
• Efficacy and safety: In vivo studies are crucial for assessing the efficacy and safety (German: Unbedenklichkeit) of new drugs, therapies and vaccines before they are used in clinical practice.
• Physiological context: In vivo methods provide important data on physiological and pathological processes, including disease mechanisms and responses to treatments.
• Long-term observation: The  long-term observation of living organisms makes it possible to study the long-term health effects and consequences of various interventions.

Examples of in vivo studies:

• Drug trials: Evaluation of therapeutic effects and identification of potential side effects of new drugs in animal studies prior to clinical trials in humans.
• Disease research: Development and use of animal models (translation into German: Tiermodelle) for diseases in order to understand disease mechanisms and develop new treatments.
• Toxicological studies: Assessment of the toxic effects of chemicals, including drugs, food additives and environmental pollutants in order to determine safe doses and potential risks to humans.
• Genetic research: Studying the effects of genetic manipulations on the phenotypes of animals in order to understand genetic diseases and develop gene therapies.

In vivo research plays a key role in biomedicine, as it not only facilitates a better understanding of complex biological processes but also the development of new and more effective therapies.

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