The exploitation of cell cultures in a biotechnological context is based upon research at all levels of academic and industrial input. Cytotechnology represents a central repository for information on both the infrastructure of cell technology and the applied use of cell cultures thus providing a panoramic perspective of the many facets and disciplines needed to develop successful cell cultures. Cytotechnology is an international journal on new and novel developments methods and techniques in fundamental cell culture research and the applications of that research in human and vetinary medicine toxicology and animal cell biotechnology. The journal publishes reviews original papers short communications and technical reports containing information on all forms of vertebrate and invertebrate in vitro cell cultures. Papers published in Cytotechnology include studies on: The derivation genetic modification and characterisation 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. Cell culture techniques substrates environmental requirements and optimization cloning hybridization and molecular biology. Cell culture systems processes reactors scale-up and industrial production. The application of cells in differentiation cancer research immunology genetics senescence inflammatory and viral disease and other medical and veterinary investigation. The use of cell cultures as a substrate for bioassay cytotoxicity and pharmacology measurement biomedical applications and in particular as a replacement for animal models. The importance of publishing factual reports on techniques characterisation and standardisation of cell lines and presenting updated information on international issues (e.g. import and export regulations health and safety factors) is recognised by the inclusion of a special section entitled 'Technical Reports'. Meeting reports and book reviews are also included.