Cytotechnology is an international journal on the latest developments, methods and techniques in cell culture research involving in vitro systems rather than whole organisms, and the applications of that research in human and veterinary medicine, animal cell biotechnology and cell-based bioassays. The exploitation of cell cultures in a biotechnological context is based upon research generated at all levels of academic and industrial input. The aim of Cytotechnology is to centralize information on both the infrastructure of cell technology and the applied use of cell cultures and thus generate a better understanding of the many facets and disciplines needed to develop successful cell culture processes. The scope of the Journal includes: 1. The derivation, genetic modification and characterization of cell lines, genetic and phenotypic regulation, control of cellular metabolism, cell physiology and biochemistry related to cell function, performance and expression of cell products. 2. Cell culture techniques, substrates, environmental requirements and optimization, cloning, hybridization and molecular biology, including genomic and proteomic tools. 3. Cell culture systems, processes, reactors, scale-up, and industrial production. Descriptions of the design or construction of equipment, media or quality control procedures, that are ancillary to cellular research. 4. The application of animal/human cells in research in the field of stem cell research including maintenance of stemness, differentiation, genetics, and senescence, cancer research, research in immunology, as well as applications in tissue engineering and gene therapy. 5. The use of cell cultures as a substrate for bioassays, biomedical applications and in particular as a replacement for animal models. Cytotechnology publishes original papers, reviews and short communications. The importance of publishing fac tual reports on techniques, characterization and standardization of cell lines, and presenting updated information on international issues (e.g. import and export regulations, health and safety factors) is recognized by the inclusion of a special section entitled 'technical reports'.