Gels allow researchers to analyze proteins and gene chips let them analyze gene expression. What more could they possibly need? How about a tool to examine what's happening on the cellular level? A new technology called Phenotype MicroArrays™ (PM) offers just that. Unlike gels and gene chips, PM technology, developed by Hayward, Calif.-based Biolog Inc., enables scientists to identify changes in cellular phenotype. "The data we get is higher-level with PM technology because we know that the phenotypic changes are significant. The cell is feeling a difference and we can measure it," says Barry Bochner, Biolog's vice president of research and development.

The new technology measures phenotypic changes using cell respiration as a universal reporter. Researchers can use PMs to define the effects of gene knockouts or drug exposure on various cellular pathways. Identifying cellular phenotypes can also help scientists understand the pathology of disease. Currently, PMs can...

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