Real-time PCR plays a foundational role in gene expression studies, disease analysis, and molecular diagnostics. However, success depends on precise reaction setup, optimized assays, and accurate quantification. Scientists need structured, practical training in experimental design, fluorescence detection, and results interpretation to ensure reproducibility and reliability in their real-time PCR experiments. This course includes guidance on…
Not all wounds leave a scar. Scientists have now identified a signaling pathway that explains how certain tissues regenerate without a trace. Image credit:© Istock, kreinick An open wound is like a battlefield. On one side are pathogenic microbes, trying their best to sneak into the cozy confines of the body. Standing guard are immune…
When combined with protein markers, cell-free DNA is a promising biomarker that may help scientists detect ovarian cancer earlier and improve the future of cancer screening. When combined with protein markers, cell-free DNA is a promising biomarker that may help scientists detect ovarian cancer earlier and improve the future of cancer screening. Specific and sensitive…
Studying the genomes of insect pests like German cockroaches (top) and bed bugs provided insights about their invasion, spread, and insecticide resistance adaptation. Image credit:Matthew Bertone and Coby Schal As night falls and the city bustle dies down, another kind of life creeps up on its citizens: Cockroaches lurk beneath cabinets and bed bugs crawl…
Many animals consume alcohol, but few, if any, get to a point of intoxication. Image credit:© Istock, Ivan Kovbasniuk In 2007, Anchorage Daily News reported a goofy looking moose tangled up in Christmas lights. A local biologist guessed that the animal had eaten too many fermented crab apples from a nearby tree and may have…
When derived from isolated stem cells, 3D spheroids form more physiologically relevant tissues, offering unprecedented opportunities for studying developmental biology, disease progression, and therapeutic interventions in real-time model systems. Whether a scientist seeks to optimize drug screening assays, model disease, or develop personalized therapies, technologies that pair live-cell monitoring and stem cell isolation elevate cell…
Vaccines have helped resolve multiple public health crises. New administration strategies, delivery platforms, and applications could offer better protection for more people. Image credit:© Istock, Pedro Merino Higueras In the late 1800s, Edward Jenner, an English physician and scientist, observed that milkmaids who have previously contracted cowpox are immune to smallpox, a deadly virus from…
Acquired resistance to hormone therapy is a serious challenge in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. This most often occurs as a result of mutations in the ESR1 gene. Detecting such variants in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) plasma samples can help researchers understand breast cancer progression, develop better approaches to therapy selection, and improve disease…
