>Over the past year, there has been increasing interest in the area of
>apoptosis and the use of flow and image cytometry in assessment of this
>physiologically important process. From the posted notices I perceive the
>need for: (1) standardized methodologies to evaluate apoptosis, (2)
>development of cytometric techniques and probes to study the process(es),
>and (3) application of flow and image techniques to study apoptosis in
>model systems as well as the real world (human tissues).
>
>In parallel, I have noticed a significant increase in: (1) the numbers of
>papers published in "mainstream" journals (Cell, Cancer Research, etc)
>dealing with apoptosis, (2) the significant numbers of these papers using
>flow cytometry, (3) the significant differences in techniques (and
>interpretation) used to measure apoptosis in flow, and (4) the percent of
>these papers published by ISAC members (seems low to me).
>
>I think that it is time for the cytometry community to take the lead in
>this expanding (and as yet largely uncharted) area of biology research!
>The Scientific Advisory Committee of ISAC has the responsibility of
>organizing focused, thematic meetings on topics of interest to the
>cytometry community. As a member of this committee, I would welcome
>comments through this BBS regarding the possibility of an ISAC sponsored
>meeting on this theme. Please place your comments regarding topics,
>themes, possible speakers, workshop sessions, etc. on this BBS (subject
>to J. Paul Robinson's approval!).
>Thanks in advance
>
>Vince Shankey
>Loyola Univ Med Cntr
Maryalice Stetler-Stevenson
Director Flow Cytometry Unit
Laboratory of Pathology, NCI, NIH