● http://mammary.nih.gov/index.html

Ever wondered where to go for mammary gland information? Now you need look no further than the 'Biology of the Mammary Gland' web site. It's divided into seven sections, and is easy to search and navigate; however, it could do with an update, as 1999 seems to be the most recent entry.

One of the most useful areas of the site is 'experimental models'. It is split into three parts: transgenic mice, deletion mice and natural mutants, so provides information on many mouse models that are relevant to breast cancer research. The 'reviews' section contains a series of articles, ranging from development and gene expression to apoptosis and tumorigenesis, and is also a good source of information.

The 'tools and technologies' section would certainly help those new to the field, as would the 'histology atlas' — a catalogue of images that describe development in normal, knockout and transgenic mice. It even includes a section on how to diagnose breast cancer. This has potential, but is limited by its gaps, as some of the links no longer work. These two sections are complemented by the 'methodology online CD-ROM', which also features histology.

Although most of the site is filled with information that is directly relevant to research, it is not lacking history or humour. The 'art and history' section within 'about us' includes pictures such as 'Sacred milk', and even features a Beatles song!

So, although currently useful, parts of the site will become increasingly less so, unless it is updated. Let's hope that the wealth of new information on mammary gland biology is soon included.