In retrospect, I did not expect that a very hard sell would
be necessary to elicit more than token verbal support.
The large number of publications based on misidentifi ed
or cross-contaminated cell lines was clear testimony that
the cell culture community needed to make signifi cant
progress. A zero tolerance policy would, relatively, neither
intrude nor drain resources. Such a policy would also
harmonize with the missions of granting agencies, journals,
and professional societies—all of them run by intelligent,
dedicated, hard-working people.