Baltimore - An automated microscope developed by Cell Works, Inc., a biomedical company located at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has won a place in the Permanent Research Collection on Information Technology at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.

Cell Works President and Chief Operating Officer Charles H. Wheatley, III, received the prestigious Computerworld Smithsonian Innovation Collection Award at a ceremony held earlier this month on the national mall in Washington, D.C.

"It is the hope of all of us at Cell Works that this test and the automated microscope, will allow diagnostic, prognostic, and prescriptive development that could lead to improved treatment, enhanced quality of life, and perhaps ultimately, a cure for one of humanity's most devastating illnesses - cancer," said Wheatley.

The highly advanced microscope, pioneered nearly 15 years ago by Paul O.P. Ts'o, Ph.D., Cell Works Chairman and CEO, joins over 470 of the year's most innovative applications of technology from 42 states and 22 countries.

Automated analysis of cancer cell images from the microscope guides doctors in deciding whether to use surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to fight cancer at its earliest stages. Later tests determine whether continued therapy is required, and if so, ensure that it is effective and adjusted properly.

"(The Cell Works microscope) will enrich the National Museum of American History's growing collection on the history of information technology, and contribute significantly to the museum's on-going efforts to chronicle the information age," said museum director Spencer R. Crew.

Cell Works was nominated by F. William Hoffman, Managing Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, in the Science category. Founded in 1989, the award is presented annually by the Computerworld Smithsonian Chairmen's Committee, representing over 100 of the world's most prominent computer companies. The award recognizes vision, leadership and innovation in information technology.

Cell Works produces non-invasive diagnostic and medical instrument technology used to detect prostate cancer and as an alternative to amniocentesis in pregnant women. The company is also conducting ongoing research and development to broaden its technology to detect other types of cancer cells.