Oligonucleotides modulate gene-specific expression within cells and can be used to identify genes involved in diseases. Continuing developments in oligonucleotide research have begun to unleash their potential as therapeutic agents. Contributions from basic researchers in molecular biology, cell biology, nucleic acid chemistry, pharmacology, and applied therapeutics present new technologies in the field of oligonucleotide research and are organized into sections focusing on small RNA-mediated gene silencing, miRNA, oligonucleotide chemistry and new technologies, delivery strategies, immunorecognition of nucleic acids, drug and therapeutic development, aptamers and other evolved systems, and preclinical models and clinical programs. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.