The times they are a-changin' for genetically engineered mice and the facilities that maintain them. Core facilities are expanding beyond their original conception as producers of transgenic mice to encompass a wide range of services, including research animal maintenance. Mark and colleagues describe the logistics and administration of the newly dubbed Mouse Genetics Core Facility at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center as a blueprint for other institutions seeking to expand and update their own transgenic cores for research in the twenty-first century. See
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Experience has proven that comprehensive training and education make it easier to attract and retain highly qualified animal care technicians, as well as to ensure that research facilities reach maximum performance. Romick and coauthors outline a multidisciplinary, performance-based approach to training with a description of the subject matter covered in SoBran's initial orientation period and ongoing training sessions. The authors also address record keeping methods and training program assessment. See
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