s children, we’re often taught complex subjects in very simplified ways. Life was easier in black and white, but as we move into adulthood, we find that the world is far more colorful than that. Even as young adults, we learn that a basic experimental setup should...

There are a lot of products in the lab that do similar things but were developed for a specialized purpose. And sometimes you’re in a position where only the alternative is available, but you’re unsure whether you can trust it. Let’s take a look at a few of these...

The difference between growth factors and transcription factors might be a nonissue for many researchers, but after Google searching, I have discovered that the question does exist within our field. My introduction to transcription factors came from my undergrad...

For thousands of years, our species has invested its life in explaining observed phenomena, mainly in an effort for self-preservation. This insight has equipped us to make predictions and develop biological defenses, giving us the upper-hand against natural selection....

It’s defrost day in the lab, and you think to yourself, “This might be the best day to organize my fridge and freezers.” Then you open the doors, your jaw drops and you change your mind, choosing to simply deal with the defrost project rather than the...

Organization may not be on your mind when you walk into your lab, but it enters your thoughts when you can’t find something. Let us help! In the last article, I discussed laboratory fridge and freezer organization, but acknowledged that even the tips provided may not...

One day your PCR works; then when you repeat it, you get no results, and when you try yet again, you get nonspecific binding. It’s these situations that drive you to superstitious rituals and prayers to the PCR gods for mercy. Unfortunately, divine forms of...

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is so common to the lab, can be very frustrating. We understand that for researchers, especially those who are just starting out, PCR can be a nightmare. So we’re breaking down PCR troubleshooting tips into a series of articles....

When doing PCR, you can encounter all sorts of issues, which is why we have been doing a series on troubleshooting tips for different obstacles that occur. In the last two articles, I discussed nonspecific binding and what happens when you’re not getting any bands. In...

In recent months, there has been a growing, dark cloud of suspicion and mistrust in the biomedical horizon specifically, and in the greater scientific world at large. As is often the case in science, prophetic voices, such as Peter Kranke or Walter Nelson-Rees, have...

How is science involved with art? Neither seems to have much directly in common. But one of art’s intimate connections with science is based on protection and creation. Every human-crafted artifact that accumulates chronicles our history, ideals, culture – it...

iven our technology, specifically our reliance on alarms and digital calendars to map out our daily activities, it’s easy to overlook the environmental signals that influence our body’s reaction to the rising and setting of the sun. In fact, it’s because of our...

From dipping food into a bullet wound to swallowing a bacterial sample, these five examples of "human experimentation" opened new doors for science. Usually a scientist would never begin an experiment by testing in humans. After all, it would seem almost alien to...

3D printing technology is showing infinite manufacturing capabilities using a variety of materials, and now it’s innovating biotechnology. Researchers are discovering new ways to utilize this technique, creating cost-saving opportunities and novel gadgets for the lab....

Every morning, millions of people all over the world begin their morning routine with a daily dose of stimulating coffee. But did you know that a tiny beetle that’s only slightly larger than the tip of your pencil is becoming a major threat to your daily dose of...

Getting your lysis buffer to work can sometimes be a science of its own. In this article, we point out nine issues to consider that could be throwing a wrench in your process, and we attempt to help you solve them. One of the biggest lessons when it comes to working...

It’s time to choose a cell line for your project. Research has led you to a few candidates, but narrowing them down can be difficult and the decision goes beyond what works for your experiment. Genetics, identification, sources, reproducibility and a whole lot more...

It is an inherently human trait to look for patterns in objects or things that we can personalize or make familiar. We do it with everything that is strange to us, in order to make it feel less strange. Our ancestors did it with stars they saw in the ancient night sky...

Life hacks are all over the Internet, but laboratory hacks are more difficult to find. After being inspired, I did some research on lab hacks and have compiled this list for you! First, if you’re not familiar with the term “life hack,” let me explain. A life hack is...

Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) comes in many forms, which is why people frequently post questions online, asking what BSA should be used in their experiment. Forum responses have been good about directly addressing the procedure in question, but it's really hard to find a...

Choosing the right biological buffer for your experiment can be tricky. The buffer choosing process is like playing “Guess Who.” Like the game, you begin with a very broad list of buffers and slowly ask questions and research answers to narrow down your selection. By...

Press down. Cross fingers. Squint eyes in anticipation – annnd SNAP! Electroporation failed again. Electroporation is one of those techniques that can feel almost confrontational. You’ve been careful about salinity. You’ve avoided the bubbles, but that snap just aims...

“David, you do realize that she is in Boston and it is 12 p.m. there, don’t you? She is trying to tackle the same problem and she has a three hour head start every day! Get busy!” Getting scooped. It’s every publication-driven researcher’s worst nightmare. Will you be...

Major works of science during the 19th and 20th centuries are now yours to own in hand-crafted books literally fit for a Queen! What happens to you when you visit an old library? Does the aroma of aged books seduce your senses? Do you suddenly find your fingertips...