A lifetime passion for micronucleus cytome assays--reflections from Down Under.

A brief account of an improbable career in the field of genetic toxicology is given, extending from my early years in Malta through a life-changing decision to study in Australia (Down Under). I describe the circumstances that led to the discovery of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay and its evolution into a cytome assay of chromosome breakage and loss (micronuclei), asymmetrical chromosome rearrangements or telomere end fusions (nucleoplasmic bridges), gene amplification (nuclear buds), cell death (necrosis, apoptosis) and cytostasis (nuclear division index). This paper also describes the role of my laboratory in the beginning of the HUMN project, its achievements, and the applications of CBMN cytome assays in the fields of radiation biology, genetic toxicology, epidemiology, biodosimetry and genome health nutrigenomics, leading to the Genome Health Clinic concept. Along the way I mention my encounters with some of the influential people in the field of mutagenesis who provided me with the motivation and guidance needed to realise these achievements. I hope this account provides some inspiration to the next generation of scientists who may be fortunate to see the realisation of the application of the principles of mutagenesis in health optimisation or disease prevention and eventually in mainstream medicine.