Microbial Insights was founded in 1992 as a technology transfer from research developed by the University of Tennessee s Center for Biomarker Analysis (formerly part of The Center for Environmental Biotechnology) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. MI was established to provide rapid, cost-effective methods to characterize microbial communities using biochemical approaches to analyze microbial lipids. In 1998, MI became one of the first commercial laboratories to offer the use of DNA technology as a means of analyzing entire bacterial communities. Information provided by DNA analysis is complimentary to that determined by lipid analysis. A combination of the two methods provides a comprehensive assessment of microbial communities. For clients facing regulatory issues, results from these methods provide direct lines of support for making decisions. The company s professional reputation and unique technology make it an industry leader in the growing field of molecular microbial analysis. Its diverse clientele includes universities, environmental consulting companies, law firms and governmental organizations from around the world. The company s research division develops new, cutting edge methodologies with support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Water Research Institute.