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AIDS-Tainted Razors Sent to Rodent & Primate Researcher

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Photo by Gamma Infinity via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

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The FBI and local police are investigating another event in a string of incidents surrounding David Jentsch, a neuroscientist who conducts research on rodents and primates at UCLA, according to the LA Times. The Animal Liberation Press Office claims to have sent "AIDS-tainted" razors to Jentsch to bring attention to their concern over how animals are treated in his research lab.

In a formal statement about the razors, the ALPO alleges that Jentsch injects rodents with addictive drugs and asked "How would Jentsch like the same thing he does to primates to be done to him?"

Jenstch, along with other UCLA researchers, has been targeted in the past for his work with animals. In 2009 his car was blown up outside his home and animal rights activists routinely demonstrate in front of his house.

Jenstch's work has provided insight into meth addiction in teens and speech disabilities in schizophrenia patients. He believes responsible use of animals in research can improve the well-being of the mentally ill, making it the "right" thing to do.

Officials have yet to determine if the razors are infected with AIDS.

Editor's Note: Some adjustments were made to this article to reflect the source attribution reported by the LA Times.

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