Mentors at Your Benchside

#15 — In the last few years, CRISPR-Cas9 has become a popular genome editing tool, but have you ever wondered where it came from? In this episode we explore the history of CRISPR-Cas9, from the first CRISPR discovery in 1987 to current applications in targeted genome and epigenome editing. Read the full article to learn more about the history of CRISPR-Cas9 and to see a timeline of discoveries her...

#14 — Do you know how accurate and precise your measurements are? Imprecise and inaccurate measurements can have a dramatic impact on your results. Listen to get 8 top tips for making your measurements more accurate and precise. To learn more about accuracy and precision, read the full article on our site here - https://bitesizebio.com/55470/accuracy-and-precision/

#13 — There are now hundreds of different tailored fluorescent proteins to choose from that can improve your experiments in the lab. What are the key considerations when choosing a fluorescent protein for your experiment? Should you consider using a fancy new fluorescent protein? Where can you find the best resources to help you out? Find out the answers to these and more in this episode of Mentor...

#12 — As a follow-up to our episode about ethanol precipitation of DNA and RNA [1] , this episode explains the differences between DNA precipitation in ethanol and isopropanol, helping you to figure out which method is the best choice for your experiment. Read the full article [2] for handy protocol tips, the differences between using ethanol and isopropanol, and when to use each method. Resources...

#11 — Fluorescence is undoubtedly one of the most important and useful tools in a biologist’s toolbox. But do you actually know how fluorescence works? In this episode, discover what the three steps of fluorescence are, and how fluorescence can be used in flow cytometry. Read the full article [1] for a breakdown of the key points of fluorescence. Resources: 1 - https://bitesizebio.com/32973/fluore...

#10 — As you probably know, there are different types of ethanol found in biology labs. It's a versatile solvent used in dozens of experiments and procedures, including disinfection, DNA precipitation, and tissue dehydration. But which type of ethanol should you use for your application? What's the difference between the types of ethanol in your lab? And how do you handle it appropriately? In this...

#9 — One of the most commonly used cell lines in molecular biology labs is the Human Embryonic Kidney HEK293 cell line. Listen to this episode to find out all about the history of HEK293 cells and how to work with them.    Read the full article [1] for more details about working with HEK293 cells Resources: 1 - https://bitesizebio.com/45489/guide-to-hek293-cells/

#8 — You probably have or will use SDS-PAGE at some point to separate proteins, but do you really understand how this technique works? Knowing how SDS-PAGE works means you can tweak and troubleshoot your technique as well as impress your supervisor and lab mates. In this episode, we take you through how SDS-PAGE works, including what SDS does, why you need to use a reducing agent like DTT or beta-...

#7 — In this episode, we cover how jellyfish were able to have a huge impact on biology through the discovery and development of GFP. Using GFP is now ubiquitous in pretty much all fields in biology, and we'll take you through how three Nobel Laureates developed this valuable research tool. [1] Many of the applications for GFP are microscopy-based, and we'll discuss how you can utilize GFP for tra...

#6 — Ethanol precipitation is a commonly used technique for concentrating and de-salting nucleic acid preparations in an aqueous solution. In this episode, we'll bring you up to speed on how ethanol precipitation works, including the importance of solubility, the roles of salt, ethanol, and temperature, plus a few helpful tips on the side. Read the full article [1] to learn more about the ins and...

#5 — Have you ever chilled beer on dry ice from the lab? Does your wardrobe consist mainly of free t-shirts from companies at conferences [1] ? Have you ever wondered what the distilled water in the lab tastes like [2] ? If any of these questions apply to you, then tune in to this episode, as we cover more funny and telling signs that you're a true scientist. Read the full article [3] to discover...

#4 — PCR is a useful lab technique used to copy, sequence or quantify DNA. If you're new to PCR, this episode is for you. We cover the five things you need to get started with PCR and explain how to run a polymerase chain reaction. Read the full article to learn more about setting up a PCR. [1] Learn more about Kary Mullis and the invention of PCR, and about the first thermocycler "Mr Cycle". [2 ,...

#3 — In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, listen to a short history of cryo-electron microscopy—the Nobel Prize-winning technique revolutionizing molecular and structural biology. The journey takes us from the inception of cryo-EM- obscure, inferior, and derided- to the present-day competition for access to the incredibly powerful Krios microscopes. It's all about the power of an image. A...

#2 — Micropipettes are the bread and butter instrument of a lab, helping you to accurately dispense minute amounts of liquid. But these tools are only trustworthy if they are well maintained and handled appropriately. Listen to the latest episode of Mentors At Your Benchside to uncover top tips for precise pipetting. Want to know more about correct pipetting technique? Access the original article...

#1 — Is it worth doing a PhD? This is a question that probably plagues every research student at some point in their career. In this episode, we explore 5 important questions you should consider before embarking on a PhD. Read the full article for more advice before making the difficult decision to pursue a PhD after getting your Master’s degree. [1] If you are looking for further advice, make sur...