Models like this are a wonderful tool for experimental drug testing.

You could think of the TNF molecule, which sounds the alarm, as a very weak radio transmitter. It moves very slowly as it carries its warning message to neighboring cells, so it is unable to send that message over long distances. However, we discovered that the cellular pathways that pick up this signal act like extremely sensitive radio receivers. They can pick up the alarm message from exposure to even a very small amount of TNF. This turns out to be a very smart strategy on the part of the cells.

We were surprised by how sensitive cells were to small amounts and brief exposures to TNF. Our analysis may help drug companies solve problems with the regulation of immune response levels, and do it in a smart way.

We've had it for a few months. We're testing it to see the effectiveness.

Some companies have terminated drug testing.

It's a very high priority, and we are very committed to continuing with testing and lowering the level of trans fat without raising the level of saturated fat. It's a lot harder than we originally thought, but that is not stopping us.