Caspase Activity Assays are laboratory techniques used to measure the activity of caspases, a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in programmed cell death, or apoptosis. These assays help researchers understand how cells regulate death and survival, which is important in various biological processes and diseases, including cancer. The assays typically involve substrates that release a detectable signal, such as fluorescence or color change, when cleaved by active caspases. By quantifying this signal, scientists can determine the level of caspase activity in a sample, providing insights into cellular health and the mechanisms of apoptosis.