Abstract: A microelectrode array comprises electrodes array. Each electrode is associated with a sampling circuit for sampling an electrode signal on the electrode, a sample buffer to store a representation of the electrode signal from the electrode, and activity sensor configured to detect an electrode signal event above a predetermined threshold and to set an activity flag based on the detection. The microelectrode array further comprises control logic to activate the sampling circuit and sample buffer of an electrode to sample the electrode signal and store a representation of the sampled signal for that electrode only when the activity flag is set. Electrode signal activity is detected at the electrode level to control electrode signal sampling activity. A plurality of microelectrode arrays may be coupled in a networked configuration for scheduling and controlling transmission of stored representations of the electrode signals over a data bus to a data sink.

Abstract: In the field of cell-based assays, i.e. cellular assays, there is a need for improved cell culture retaining inserts, cell culture retaining insert assemblies, cell culture positioning inserts, and cell culture positioning insert assemblies. A cell culture retaining insert (10; 50; 70), for retaining a three-dimensional biological sample (56) in a cell culture vessel (122; 132) comprises a rigid insert body (12) which has at least one engagement formation (14) to, in use, removably secure the cell culture retaining insert (10; 50; 70) to the cell culture vessel (122, 132). The cell culture retaining insert (10; 50; 70) also includes a retention element (18; 18?; 18?) that is coupled with the insert body (12). The retention element (18; 18?; 18?) has a distal end (28) that is positionable, in use, proximate to a well bottom (90) in a cell culture vessel (122; 132). The entire distal end (28) is resiliently deformable.