Using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to exploit the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) has become a powerful tool to study gene function in cell culture and in vivo.

Data from a number of in vitro models can be combined to assess the potential for molecules to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cause an effect in the CNS.

The U.S. imports food from more than 150 countries and territories. Much of it is fresh produce and seafood, which can carry microscopic contaminants. While these contaminants become smaller and more sophisticated and food safety laws become stricter, food testing laboratories are coming up with new technologies and processes to detect chemical toxins before they reach the consumer.

Contract labs perform scientific research and testing on one or more components of projects for external clients. Contracts can last anywhere from only a few weeks for a single, specific task to many years for extended projects. Taylor Technology Inc., a subsidiary of PharmaNet Development Group Inc., is a drug development contract research organization focused on bioanalysis, the measurement of potentially new chemicals or molecular entities (new treatments) in biological samples.