This can entail everything from coding a piece of software to developing an experimental model.

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The best experimental model is the mouse, but infected mice may take two years to show signs and symptoms of prion diseases.

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In their study, the researchers used mammalian retinas with a degeneration of photoreceptors in order to have an experimental model of different degenerative pathologies of the retina, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa or macular degeneration.

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As with any statistical analysis, the results are only as good as the model, the experimental design and the data.

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The researchers know this because they have been setting small, experimental fires in Australia's Northern Territory, analysing their spread, and comparing the results with the model's predictions.

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