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The Search for Biological Truth Using Imperfect Models in an Imperfect World

Brigham and Women's Hospital

In this issue of the AJRCMB, Kim and colleagues (see article beginning on page 483) demonstrate that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) can cause reversible DNA damage to primary human fetal fibroblasts. The use of crude cigarette smoke extract on cells in culture is, well, crude, and has often been criticized. In this particular case, the novel, mechanistic information with potential relevance to lung pathobiology merited publication. Nevertheless, we asked the senior author to discuss and justify the use of CSE as a model system.

Following Dr. Rennard's scholarly discourse (see PERSPECTIVE below), the editorial team (Editor, Deputy Editors, and Associate Editors) shares some more general thoughts on biological agents, cells, and in vivo studies, beginning on page 481. The main purpose is to develop a better understanding of the systems we use in the laboratory as well as to begin to generate a dialogue with readers. We are open to opinions in CORRESPONDENCE/LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Shapiro, S. D. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Shapiro, S. D.