Tissue, Reagent and Information Exchange

As a means for fostering science and to help scientists in their quest for scientific achievement, we are proposing to develop a Web based mechanism for the distribution of tissues, reagents and information amongst scientists. A system will be developed to identify those who have tissues and those who require tissues or regants. We are attempting to provide opportunities for close collaboration amongst scientists. We need the input of scientists to develop such a system and to measure its success.

With the rapid advance in technology, model systems are rapidly being developed for human diseases and for understanding gene function. Some of the animals such as those with gene knockouts and transgenic animals are purchased from various companies or are maintained at a high cost. Particularly, the maintenance of higher primates is cost prohibitive. Often, only some tissues, part of an organ or the whole organ is used and the remaining tissues are discarded. In many instances such organs may be extremely valuable to other scientists. We would like to develop a system so that, at any given time, scientists can identify other scientists who need such tissues or those who may require rare or uncommon reagents. The advantage of such a scheme is the ability to carry out biomedical studies without the financial burden associated with molecular biology or start up studies. The donor of the tissues or reagents may be rewarded with the cost of shipping the material, by joint authorship on papers and publications or merely by an acknowledgement. The donor and recipient can enter into such an agreement prior to delivery of the material.

The model system will identify scientists who are going to act as donors of such tissues or reagents and those who wish to be recipient of these materials. Each scientist will post his or her contact information, the tissues or reagents that are available or are needed and will indicate other pertinent information about such tissues or reagents. The development of such an exchange of material is undoubtedly conducive to a more comprehensive collaboration. Frontiers in Bioscience will provide this opportunity merely to foster science and will not charge either party for providing them the opportunity to participate in such a program. Scientists can take advantage of this opportunity for other reasons such as identification of collaborators, posting questions and any other information that will enhance and facilitate their research. Those who wish to be anonymous, can simply send such information to the editorial office and request anonymity. Others, however, can include such information directly into a database that will post the information on line.

Please send your comments and suggestions to the editorial office of Frontiers in Bioscience.