Q: Can I write two papers based on two different results obtained from one experiment?

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I am doing the experiment to observe the impact to animals by adding a compound into their bait.

If I make a mouse (which has developed both Alzheimer's disease and stomach cancer spontaneously) take the compound A (its effectiveness is suggested for the two diseases) and observe the results, can I complete one animal experimentation for two different experiment plans as below?

Experiment 1. Effect of the compound A for Alzheimer's disease

Experiment 2. Effect of the compound A for stomach cancer

For the experiment 1, I am planning to examine the brain only and confirm results/discussion.

For the experiment 2, I am planning to examine the digestive organ including stomach and confirm results/discussion.

I think it is difficult to cover both results in one paper, because common points are not found on the symptom. Also I think two papers from one experiment is good in terms of reducing experimental animals.

Can I go forward with this plan? Will there be any ethical issues?

Asked on 17 Oct, 2017

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I think you can go forward with the plan as long as you are completely transparent and do not conceal anything. So, for example,when writing the paper about the efficacy of Compound A on the treatment of stomach cancer, you will have to mention that all these mice also had Alzheimer's and the drug helped cure that as well. Likewise, the paper on Alzheimer's should mention that all the mice used had stomach cancer as well. You should also cross-cite the methods section of the two papers because you used the same experiment for both.

Additionally, it might be a good idea to discuss this with your supervisor or a senior colleague before arriving at a decision as there may be some field specific requirements that they would be aware of.