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 [...]
PCR is a popular lab technique with genomics, medicine, forensic science, and environmental biology applications. In 1993, the scientist who developed PCR, Kary Mullins, was awarded a Nobel prize in chemistry. Since then, PCR has revolutionized biology. PCR testing with nasal swabs is the gold standard for diagnosing Covid-19.How are scientists today using software to [...]
Lab technicians measure, dispense, and mix liquids every day. Liquid handling is a key element of scientific research in various industries, from microbiology to food manufacturing to cosmetics. Common microplate sizes range from single -384 wells and beyone, which could take minutes to fill if done by hand. As a result, many companies have integrated [...]
Studying Microbe Colonies Are you curious about what pH probes measure, why pH is important, and how devices that measure pH work? In high school chemistry, you might have used pH litmus paper strips to test liquids, but pH measurement probes can be far more accurate than paper test strips. Litmus paper was discovered in [...]
Colonies give scientists information about a particular microbe that has replicated into a group sharing the same genes. Studying that group of microbes helps microbiologists identify the microbe. That’s why colonies are important in the study of microbiology: because microbes are so small, it can be hard to identify a single microbe. So, colonies give [...]
pH is critical to life. In fact, for lifeforms living in liquids, such as the ocean, the pH of that liquid dictates what species can survive there. For example, scientists are concerned for ocean life, because rising CO2 levels from climate change actually decreases the pH of the ocean, making it too acidic for some [...]
