Abstract: This invention comprises a method for generating functional neural networks using neural progenitor cells on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). The method involves dissociating neural progenitor cells from an embryo, propagating the neural progenitor cells, passaging the neural progenitor cells and seeding the neural progenitor cells on MEAs to produce a functional neural network. The neural progenitor cells may be continuously passaged to propagate an endless supply of neural progenitor cells. The resultant passaged progenitor cell derived neural network MEA may be used to detect and/or quantify various biological or chemical toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific set of gene expression markers from peripheral blood leukocytes that are indicative of a host response to exposure, response, and recovery infectious pathogen infections. The present invention further provides methods for identifying the specific set of gene expression markers, methods of monitoring disease progression and treatment of infectious pathogen infections, methods of prognosing the onset of an infectious pathogen infection, and methods of diagnosing an infectious pathogen infection and identifying the pathogen involved.