pH is a reference to how “acidic” or “alkaline” an aqueous (or water-soluble) solution is. SLP Sørensen is credited with creating the first pH scale back in 1909 as a way to denote this difference. This eventually evolved into the 0-14 pH scale scientists use today. Liquids with more hydrogen (H+) ions compared to hydroxyl [...]
Synthetic Biology Definition As natural discoverers and problem-solvers, scientists habitually industrialize methods to investigate their queries and maximize lab productivity. This occurrence is especially noticeable by developing techniques and machinery that simplifies complicated and/or repetitive tasks. In particular, technological advancements in laboratory robotics and automation over the last century have allowed scientists to mechanize many [...]
Synthetic biology is most commonly associated with the medical industry, but there are also synthetic biology applications in agriculture, industrial technology, food, and environmental protection. In addition, the biomaterials and organisms produced by synthetic biology techniques are changing engineering design and in particular, materials selection.The synthetic biology market is expected to reach 23.98 billion USD [...]
Fluorescence has been documented at various points in history. In fact, Pliny described rubbed jellyfish slime as a type of torch way back in 79 AD. However, it wasn’t until 1852 Sir George Stokes was credited with officially describing fluorescence, noting the bright blue-white emission coming from fluorite after UV exposure.Following this, fluorescent microscopes were [...]
Lab automation has skyrocketed since the first fully automated lab was established in the 1980s. Though most prominent in pharmaceutical and medical testing labs, automation has been consistently growing in other industrial and research laboratories, including in food science, agriculture, and environmental analytical labs.Liquid handling technology, in particular, has experienced several upgrades over the years. [...]
Synthetic biology products might seem futuristic, but many are already commercially available. Due to increased laboratory automation, advances in bioinformatics and data storage, and DNA sequencing ability, this field of bioengineering is rapidly growing. Have you seen synthetic biology products on the shelves? Read on to discover the synthetic biology products that are revolutionizing their [...]
An ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) is a method used to determine protein concentrations in samples. Developed in 1971, it offered an alternative to radioimmunoassays, thus avoiding dangerous radioactive compounds. Used initially to evaluate immunoglobulins in serum, it quickly grew into a technique in identifying microbes, parasites, infections, and finally concentrations of hormones and proteins. It [...]
From bulb pipetting to handheld pipettes to electronic pipettors, laboratories worldwide are modernizing through the addition of complex machinery and robotic assistance. This growing trend has helped scientists increase their productivity and overall laboratory throughput. Many of these instruments are self-sustaining and require little human support. Where many might think a human technician is responsible [...]
You are probably familiar with some microbes like bacteria and viruses, but the category includes protists and fungi. Scientists incubate these microbes in the lab, keeping them alive so their characteristics can be studied.But what is microbiology? Microbiology is the study of living organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. These [...]
pH is a measurable parameter with implications in biology, chemistry, agriculture, and food science. In fact, pH initiates the color change in hydrangeas, where lower pH (around 5.2) allows aluminum intake, making the flowers appear blue. An increase in pH (around 6.0) prevents aluminum intake, thus turning the flowers pink.pH is measured on a scale [...]
