September 20, 2005

Theodore E. Mifflin, PhD, DABCC

Biomedical research evolves and advances not only through the compilation of knowledge but also through the development of new technologies. Using traditional methods to assay gene expression, researchers were able to survey a relatively small number of genes at a time. The emergence of new tools enables researchers to address previously intractable problems and to uncover novel potential targets for therapies. Microarrays allow scientists to analyze expression of many genes or proteins in a single experiment quickly and efficiently. They represent a major methodological advance and illustrate how the advent of new technologies provides powerful tools for researchers. Scientists are using microarray technology to try to understand fundamental aspects of our biological functions as well as to explore the underlying genetic causes of many human diseases.