However, they have irregular shapes, multiple nuclei, and can clump, which makes them difficult to process and count accurately.

In this episode, we explain how to prepare the best hepatocyte samples possible.

We also explain the latest automated machine learning-based tools that make hepatocyte counting easy and do essential sample-based calculations for you, removing tedious math. See the full article here. [1]

For more details on the machine learning technology discussed in this episode, read this technical note. [2] And to hear more from DeNovix experts on hepatocyte counting, watch their webinar Automated Hepatocyte Counting: New Technology for Simple, Reliable Counts. [3]

Resources:
1. Hepatocyte Counting Methods: From Manual Counts to Fast, Accurate Automation. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/83141/hepatocyte-counting-methods/
2. TN 228 Automated Counting of Hepatocytes. Available at: https://www.denovix.com/tn-228-automated-counting-of-hepatocytes/?utm_source=bitesizebio&utm_medium=technicalcontent&utm_campaign=hepatocytes
3. Automated Hepatocyte Counting: New Technology for Simple, Reliable Counts. Available at: https://events.bitesizebio.com/automated-hepatocyte-counting-new/room

But nuclei samples are extremely delicate and can be challenging to prepare and count.

In this episode, we provide some practical tips to prepare high-quality nuclei extracts and tailor your extraction protocol to your sample.

We also compare methods to count nuclei, assess their quality, and demonstrate how automated nuclei counting can improve your workflow.

Check out the original article for a graphic that shows you the level of purity and quality you should aim for with nuclei extraction. [1] If you want to learn more about automated nuclei counting, download this free eBook. [2] Read this article to learn how to count cells quickly using fluorescence microscopy. [3] And to hear directly from DeNovix experts on nuclei counting, watch their webinar Optimizing Nuclei Extraction & Counting for Single Cell Sequencing. [4]

Resources:
1. Single Cell Sequencing: Tips to Optimize Nuclei Extraction and Counting. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/78877/optimizing-nuclei-extraction/
2. Automated Counting of Isolated Nuclei. Available at: https://www.denovix.com/ebook/automated-counting-of-isolated-nuclei?utm_source=bitesizebio&utm_medium=technicalcontent
3. Quick and Easy Automatic Cell Counting in 4 Steps. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/30184/quick-easy-automatic-cell-counting/
4. Optimizing Nuclei Extraction & Counting for Single Cell Sequencing. Available at: https://events.bitesizebio.com/optimizing-nuclei-extraction/room

This episode of Mentors At Your Benchside gives you some simple strategies to ensure you respond to criticism in a constructive and proportionate way.

For example, identifying reviewers can help you tailor your responses, but don't mention them by name! Plus, using a two-column document to systematize the criticisms and responses is a great way to organize feedback and distance yourself emotionally from it.

Hit play for more tips, check out the original article for links to helpful resources [1], and check out our complete guide to funding series for advice on getting your research funded—directly from a former NIH grant reviewer [2].

Resources:
1. Personal Advice on How to Respond to Criticism of Your Grant Proposal Reviews. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/80095/respond-to-criticism/
2. The Complete Guide to Funding I: How to Become an Expert at Getting Funded. Available at: https://events.bitesizebio.com/the-complete-guide-to-funding-i-how/join

This method capitalizes on the migration of charged molecules through a stable pH gradient until they reach a zone where their net charge is zero, halting their movement.

Essential to setting up an IEF experiment are the IPG strips, equipped with a pH-responsive gel, and the sample, often mixed with carrier ampholytes for efficient migration.

IEF's utility spans various applications, from enhancing 2D-PAGE protein separations to analyzing post-translational modifications and preparing samples for mass spectrometry. [4]

Discover more about how this technique can advance your research and streamline your experimental workflows.

Resources:
1. How SDS-PAGE Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/580/how-sds-page-works/
2. Isoelectric Focusing: A Simple Way to Enhance Your Protein Separation. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/26811/isoelectric-focusing-separation-proteins-peptides/
3. The Definitive Guide to pH, pKa, and pI. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9425/what-is-ph-pka-pi/
4. Detecting Post-Translational Modifications. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/49322/detecting-post-translational-modifications/

Discover how these microscopic organisms are transforming industries and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in science and technology. We’ll explore the latest research and applications that are shaping the future.

For an in-depth look at this topic, make sure to read the corresponding article on our website. [1] Dive into an application you almost certainly know about, yeast two-hybrid assays, [2] and check this article out to learn how to increase protein expression in plants. [3]

Resources:
1. Top 10 Uses of Microbes in Biotechnology. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/48446/microbes-biotechnology/
2. Split Ubiquitin Yeast Two-Hybrid. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/25286/split-ubiquitin-yeast-two-hybrid/
3. P19 to the Rescue: How to Increase Protein Expression in Agroinfiltration. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/29964/p19-increase-expression-agroinfiltration/

This episode delves into the essence of data comparison, focusing on two prevalent statistical tests: the Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test. [1] Each test comes with its assumptions and applicability, making the choice between them critical depending on the nature of your data.

Read our related article to learn more about comparing multiple datasets. [2]

Resources:
1. Let’s Talk About Stats: Methods for Comparing Two Sets of Data. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19298/comparing-two-sets-of-data/
2. Let’s Talk About Stats: Getting the Most out of your Multiple Datasets with Post-hoc Testing. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19318/lets-talk-about-stats-getting-the-most-out-of-your-multiple-datasets-with-post-hoc-testing/

This episode explains how to build a scientific network that works for you. We discuss the answers to these questions and provide some examples of collaborations that ended well—and some that didn't.

Check out our online article for additional resources to help get your research funded. [1] If you struggle to convey the impact of your research, you should definitely check out our webinar on this topic. [2] Plus, you can find more direct funding advice from Joel Berry here. [3]

Resources:
1. Personal Advice on Building Your Professional Network. It Takes a Village. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/77734/professional-network/
2. How to Effectively Communicate Your Research. Available at: https://events.bitesizebio.com/how-to-effectively-communicate-your-1/join
3. How to Become an Expert at Getting Funded. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/77308/how-to-become-an-expert-at-getting-funded/

This episode explains the four main fixatives for histology and cytometry and when to use them. It also provides some practical tips to ensure your fixation works and explains the benefits of combining fixatives.

Check out the corresponding article for links to related resources. [1] To learn more about autofluorescence and the controls you need to check for it, read this article. [2]

Resources
1. 4 Fixatives for Histology and Cytometry. Perfect Your Preservation. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/22141/fixation-and-flow-cytometry/
2. 5 Controls for Immunofluorescence: A Beginner’s Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/44370/controls-for-immunofluorescence-a-beginners-guide/

This episode gives you a quick guide to disinfecting your microscopes, including what solvents are safe to use and the parts you should tackle first.

Check out the corresponding article for helpful references. [1] To get a better understanding of the safety of your samples and other people's, read our introduction to safety datasheets. [2]

Resources:
1. Microscope Disinfection: A Quick Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/47987/microscope-disinfection/
2. Deciphering your Materials Safety Data Sheet. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/21848/deciphering-your-materials-safety-data-sheet/

In this episode, discover what exactly happens in this vital in-between stage, and learn about the six steps that ensure your samples are ready for microscopic examination. [1]

And while you're here, check out our related articles on tissue fixation and embedding/sectioning [2,3], and the five important stages in histology slide preparation. [4]

Resources:
1. Tissue Processing For Histology: What Exactly Happens? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13469/tissue-processing-for-histology-what-exactly-happens/
2. An Introduction To Fixation For Histology: Think Before You Fix! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13401/think-before-you-fix/
3. Tissue Embedding and Sectioning: Something to Think About Whilst in the Bath. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13414/tissue-embedding-and-sectioning-something-to-think-about-whilst-in-the-bath/
4. How Histology Slides Are Prepared. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13398/how-histology-slides-are-prepared/

In this episode, we explain the answer: multiple fragment ligation.

Check out the corresponding article for some handy illustrations and links to related resources. [1] To discover more ways to go about molecular cloning, check out these five approaches. [2] And read this article to dive deeper into how ligation works. [3]

Resources:
1. Multiple Fragment Ligation: The Why and How. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/67124/multiple-fragment-ligation/
2. Cloning Methods: 5 Different Ways to Assemble. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/26961/cloning-methods-5-different-ways-to-assemble/
3. DNA Ligation: How it Works & 6 Top Tips. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10279/how-dna-ligation-works/

In this episode, Joel Berry, Founder, and Chief Scientist at Astound Research, breaks down the different funding streams and flow of money in bioscience research. Discover the scope and requirements of each type of funding source, and get a breakdown of the overall funding landscape so you can pick the funding stream that works best for you.

Check out the corresponding online article for links to more helpful funding resources. [1] Plus, discover how you can advocate for science funding [2] and dive deeper into whether crowdfunding will work for your project. [3]

Resources:
1. Funding Opportunities and the Flow of Money in Science. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/77353/funding-opportunities-landscape/
2. Defend Science Funding! A Brief Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/36701/defend-science-funding/
3. Kick Start Your Research With Crowdfunding! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/20876/kick-start-your-research-with-crowdfunding/

In the old days, Maxam–Gilbert sequencing was the method of choice, but it has mostly been replaced by Sanger sequencing and Next-Generation methods.

Yet, it still has some niche uses, and in the historical context of DNA sequencing, it’s hugely important!

So, in this episode, learn about what Maxam–Gilbert sequencing is, why it lost popularity, and why some researchers still use it today.

Check out the corresponding article to see if you can read a Sanger sequencing gel and decipher the final amino acid code. [1] And check out our primer on the Sanger sequencing method to learn why it was so advantageous over the Maxam–Gilbert method. [2]

Resources:
1. Maxam–Gilbert Sequencing: What It Is and 3 Modern Applications. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/36696/maxam-gilbert-sequencing/
2. Sanger Sequencing: How the Genome Was Won. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/27985/sanger-sequencing-genome-won/

In this episode, learn the basic principles of confocal laser scanning microscopy, how the microscopes work, and some of its applications in bioscience and beyond.

Check out the corresponding article for a handy confocal laser scanning microscope diagram. [1] Learn about the Airy unit [2] and check out our guide to choosing a fluorescent protein for your experiments. [3]

Resources:
1. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Explained In 3 Easy Steps. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19958/confocal-laser-scanning-microscopy/
2. Rubbing Your Microscope’s Eyes: A Guide to Optical Resolution. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13415/rubbing-your-microscopes-eyes-a-guide-to-optical-resolution/
3. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Fluorescent Protein. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/54287/choosing-a-fluorescent-protein/

With over 30 years of experience as a biomedical engineering researcher seeking grants, Joel Berry, Founder, and Chief Scientist at Astound Research, shares his hard-won insights on strategizing your approach to seeking grants. [1] Take a listen to what he has to say.

If you're struggling to keep up to date with the literature in your field, read our tips for staying on top of new publications [2] and get more grant writing advice from a grant reviewer! [3]

Resources:
1. How to Become an Expert at Getting Funded. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/77308/how-to-become-an-expert-at-getting-funded/
2. Useful Tips to Keep on Top of New Literature. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10532/search-engines-for-literature-searching/
3. What I Learned as a Grant Reviewer. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/30909/learned-grant-reviewer/

In this episode, delve into the challenges of dealing with difficult lab supervisors. [1] We identify five common problematic personality traits: passive-aggressive, manipulative, unfocused, micro-manager, and negative reinforcement. Listen and explore practical strategies for addressing each type while remaining professional and constructive.

Check out our related article for further advice on dealing with conflicts in a busy research lab. [2]

Resources:
1. Five Types of Difficult Lab Supervisor and How to Handle Them. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/1540/6-types-of-bad-boss-and-how-to-handle-them/
2. Dealing with Tension and Conflict in the Lab. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/27373/dealing-tension-conflict-lab/

But if you want to hit the ground running and get some useful data from your samples, there are some little things you'll need to do.

These include reading up on a bit of background theory, understanding the capabilities of different types of cytometers, and thinking about what you want to learn from your experiment.

In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we've compiled cytometry training advice from a core facility manager to help you get the most out of your training sessions and early experiments. [1]

While you are here, why not learn about the components inside cytometers and what they do? [2] Plus, take a step towards fully understanding your data and explore the difference between forward scatter, side scatter, and their corresponding plots. [3]

Resources:
1. Seven Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Flow Cytometry Training. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/75182/flow-cytometry-training/
2. Demystifying the Flow Cytometry Optics System: A Peek Under the Hood. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/31638/flow-cytometry-optics-system/
3. Basic Parameters Measured by a Flow Cytometer: What is Scattered Light and Absolute Fluorescence? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/25310/basic-parameters-measured-by-a-flow-cytometer-what-is-scattered-light-and-absolute-fluorescence/

Replacing them when you don't need to can be a waste of time and grant money. On the other hand, using expired chemicals can lead to failed experiments and confusing results. 

In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, learn what types of chemicals are safe to use past their expiry date, which ones you should probably throw out, and why.

Read out the corresponding article for a handy summary table. [1] And while you're diving into reagents, why not check out the different types of antibiotics in molecular biology? [2]

Resources:
1. What Reagents Can You Use Past Their Chemical Expiry Date? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/74311/chemical-expiry-date/
2. Antibiotics Used in Molecular Biology. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10288/antibiotics-used-in-molecular-biology/

We cover strategies to outline your past, current, and future research in a concise format. We also explain other key elements such as, creating a compelling introduction, detailing research plans, aligning with targeted labs or departments, and writing a strong conclusion. Plus, get tips on personalizing your applications while maintaining clarity and conciseness.

While you're here, check out our related article packed with tips to help you shine at your next job interview. [2] Or, if you're considering working abroad, check out some of its pros and cons. [3]

Resources:
1. How to Write a Killer Research Interest Statement. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/35364/position-research-interest-statement/
2. How To Shine in a Job Interview. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/2599/how-to-shine-in-a-job-interview/
3. The Pros and Cons of a PhD or Post-doc in a Foreign Country. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7300/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-phd-or-post-doc-in-a-foreign-country-2/

In this episode, learn the preservation methods for short- and long-term microbe storage, their pros and cons, and the kit you need to do them.

Check out the corresponding article for a list of helpful references. [1] Learn the main ingredients of cell culture media [2] and the steps you can take to keep mammalian cell cultures healthy. [3]

Resources:
1. How to Preserve Microorganisms: Store Your Cells Better. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/45159/how-to-preserve-microorganisms/
2. What’s in Your Cell Culture Medium? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/37034/cell-culture-medium/
3. How To Keep Your Mammalian Cells Happy And Healthy. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8146/how-to-keep-your-cells-happy-and-healthy/

In this episode, we discuss what overhang PCR is, its benefits, and how to perform it in the lab. [1] While you are here, check out our article on TA cloning? [2]

Resources:
1. Overhang PCR: Add Missing DNA Sequences Using Primers. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/20786/overhang-pcr/
2. Ta-Da! The Magic of Taq and TA Cloning. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19709/ta-da-the-magic-of-taq-and-ta-cloning/

In this episode, go beyond the basics of how the method works and get expert practical guidance on performing and optimizing it.

Plus, learn the differences between the common solvents, how to check and adjust the pH of the phenol phase, and get tips to reduce the amount of interphase. 

Check out the corresponding online article for a diagram illustrating how you can reduce the interphase. [1] Learn the theory behind the technique in our easy explainer [2] and explore four other ways you can clean up DNA samples. [3]

Resources:
1. Practical Application of Phenol-Chloroform Extraction. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/3651/practical-application-of-phenol-chloroform-extraction/
2. The Basics: How Phenol Extraction of DNA Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/384/the-basics-how-phenol-extraction-works/
3. Five Ways to Clean Up A DNA Sample. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/142/5-ways-to-clean-up-a-dna-sample/

In this episode, we’ve got the lowdown on the training you’ll need to pursue this career path, and a handy list of resources to get you started on your learning. [1] Plus, check out our related article on some of the ways that scientists from diverse fields use bioinformatics. [2]

Resources:
1. How to Become a Bioinformatician. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/38236/how-to-become-a-bioinformatician/
2. Bioinformatics: It’s Not All About Genomics. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/46495/bioinformatics-its-not-all-about-genomics/

However, there are many cell lysis methods. Some are harsh, while some are gentle. Some are laborious, while some are easy. Some require dedicated equipment, while some do not. So which one do you choose?

In this episode, we cover eight cell lysis methods for your experiments. [1] For extra information to help you pick a lysis method, check out our article on the different types of cell walls. [2]

Resources:
1. 8 Cell Lysis Methods to Break Cell Walls. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13536/cell-lysis-methods/
2. Cell lysis 101: 5 types of cell walls you need to understand. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13535/tutorial-cell-lysis-5-types-of-cell-walls/

This episode explains the different types of genetic variants, introduces their key features, and gives you some top tips for studying them.

Read the corresponding online article for links to helpful resources and a handy figure. [1] While you're here, check out how to identify protein binding sequences on DNA using chip ChIP-seq [2] and learn about some of the fascinating applications of genome sequencing. [3]

Resources:
1. Genetic Variants Explained. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23996/whats-so-important-about-variants/
2. An Introduction To ChIP-seq. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13541/an-introduction-to-chip-seq/
3. Decoding the Genome: Applications of DNA Sequencing. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/27892/decoding-the-genome-applications-of-dna-sequencing/

But how do you identify which band corresponds to which structural form? And why do some of these occur during plasmid preps but not others? Listen to this episode to find out. [1]

Since you're here, check out our article explaining how to get more supercoiled DNA from your plasmid preps [2] and learn how alkaline lysis works. [3]

Resources:
1. How to Identify Supercoils, Nicks and Circles in DNA Plasmid Preps using Gel Electrophoresis. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13524/how-to-identify-supercoils-nicks-and-circles-in-plasmid-preps/
2. 6 Ways to Show Your Plasmid Preps Some Tlc and Get More Supercoiled Plasmid in Return. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13525/6-ways-to-show-your-plasmid-preps-some-tlc-and-get-more-supercoiled-plasmid-in-return/
3. Lab Basics: How The Alkaline Lysis Method Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/180/the-basics-how-alkaline-lysis-works/

Research is complicated. You must choose the best questions to ask, techniques, controls, organisms, and equipment, to name just a few things that make up good experiments. With so much to focus on, it becomes harder to do each of these things well.

This episode explains three actionable steps you can take to simplify your research and become more effective at it.

Check out the corresponding online article for links to related resources. [1] and listen to our The Happy Scientist podcast for advice to stay happy, focused, and satisfied in the lab. [2]

Resources:
1. Simplicity in Science: How to Increase your Research Effectiveness by Doing Less. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/63207/become-an-effective-researcher/
2. The Happy Scientist: Available at: https://thehappyscientist.bitesizebio.com/

This episode walks you through your first in situ hybridization and how to totally nail it! [1] When you've finished listening, why not check out our article on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)? [2]

Resources:
1. How to Totally Nail Your First in situ Hybridization. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/44651/how-to-totally-nail-your-first-in-situ-hybridization/
2. Do You Know Where Your mRNAs Are? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13391/its-10-am-do-you-know-where-your-mrnas-are/

In this episode, we cover the nuances of choosing the appropriate blood collection tubes, a choice that hinges largely on whether you're aiming to collect serum or plasma samples. Understand the vital role that different tubes play in either fostering or preventing blood clotting and how these subtle differences can significantly impact the outcomes of your experiments. [1]

Whether you are venturing into the world of hematology microscopy, exploring genetic material, or identifying circulating biomarkers, choosing the correct tube can be a game-changer. Download our handy poster to illuminate the intricacies of plasma and serum tubes and how the type of tube you choose aligns with your scientific objectives. [2]

Resources:
1. Blood Collection Tubes: How to Pick the Correct One. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23701/choosing-the-right-blood-collection-tubes/
2. Poster. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/blood-collection-tube-chart/

We guide you through utilizing popular tools like NCBI's Primer-BLAST for your qPCR primer designs, alongside introducing alternative online resources to aid in your experimentation journey. [3] Whether you're beginning your research journey or looking to hone your skills further, this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complex yet captivating world of qPCR primer design proficiently.

Resources:
1. A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing qPCR Primers. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10041/designing-qpcr-primers/
2. 10 Tips for Consistent qPCR. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/1118/10-tips-for-consistent-real-time-pcr-rtpcr/
3. NCBI tool Primer-BLAST. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/tools/primer-blast/

Passaging your cells involves removing them from their growth medium to transfer them to fresh vessels with fresh media.

In this episode, learn how to passage adherent and suspension cells while minimizing the impact on them. See the different passaging strategies you can adopt and decide which ones are right for you!

Check out the corresponding online article for handy tables and figures. [1] Learn all about cell confluency and why it matters [2] and explore the critical components of cell culture media. [3]

Resources:
1. How To Passage Cells in Culture. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13680/how-to-passage-cells/
2. How Confluent Are Your Cells? A Beginner’s Guide to Measuring Cell Culture Confluency. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/63887/cell-confluency/
3. What’s in Your Cell Culture Medium? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/37034/cell-culture-medium/

But these essential yet sensitive pieces of lab equipment are prone to measurement drift—meaning you could be weighing out different amounts every time you use one.
 
In this episode, get three easy tips to avoid measurement drift and learn some reliability testing methods to check your lab balance and prepare solutions with confidence.

Check out the full online article here [1] and read our essential guide to cleaning and caring for lab balances. [2] Plus, check out these eight steps you can take to improve lab accuracy and precision. [3]

Resources:
1. 3 Easy Tips for Avoiding Measurement Drift in Analytical Balances. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/33245/drift-measurements-analytical-balances/
2. How to Clean and Calibrate Your Lab Balance. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24193/how-to-clean-and-calibrate-your-lab-balance/
3. How to Measure and Improve Lab Accuracy and Precision. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/55470/accuracy-and-precision/

In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we explain the science behind them and share how you can make your own stocks, saving you money and avoiding nasty surprises when someone forgets to reorder stocks.

Be sure to visit the original article for helpful diagrams and tables, [1] download our free chemically competent cells cheat sheet for a handy print protocol, [2] and learn how to make your own electrocompetent cells. [3]

Resources:
1. How to Make Your Own Chemically Competent Cells. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/30145/chemically-competent-cells/
2. Bitesize Bio's Chemically Competent Cells Protocol. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/chemically-competent-cells-protocol/
3. DIY Electrocompetent E. coli. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/969/diy-electrocompetent-e-coli/

Read the full article to get the formula for finding the real maximum speed to use based on a solution’s density. [1] Need to use an ultracentrifuge? These beasts should be respected, but there is no need to be petrified of them; just read our tips on using an ultracentrifuge safely. [2] Finally, for more advice on using centrifuges, be sure to watch the on-demand webinar from Eppendorf on Essentials in Centrifugation to get informed on how centrifuges work, practical tips and tricks, and critical safety information. [3]

Resources:
1. How to Keep Your Centrifuge Alive: 5 Easy Tips. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/31550/keep-centrifuge-alive/
2. Respect the Ultra. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/4251/respect-the-ultra/
3. Essentials in Centrifugation - Better Safe than Sorry! (Webinar). Available on-demand: https://events.bitesizebio.com/essentials-in-centrifugation-1/join

In this episode, we share what blunt-end cloning is, how it works, and give you tips and tricks for performing blunt-end cloning.

Visit the original article for detailed diagrams and helpful tables, [1] brush up on how DNA ligase works, [2] and reacquaint yourself with the different DNA polymerases. [3] You can also get help to improve your blunt end ligations, [4] and discover the magic of TA cloning. [5]

Resources:
1. A Beginner’s Guide to How Blunt-End Cloning Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/45131/a-beginners-guide-to-how-blunt-end-cloning-works/
2. DNA Ligation: How it Works & 6 Top Tips.  Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10279/the-basics-how-does-dna-ligation-work/
3. Get To Know Your DNA Polymerases. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24551/get-to-know-your-dna-polymerases/
4. 10 ways to improve blunt-end ligations. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19149/7-ways-to-improve-blunt-end-ligations/
5. Ta-Da! The Magic of Taq and TA Cloning. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19709/ta-da-the-magic-of-taq-and-ta-cloning/

Whether you're a budding biologist or just curious about cellular structures, this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside is your introductory guide to the history of H&E staining, its mechanism of action, and the structures it effectively stains. Discover how the positive charge of hematoxylin stains nucleic acids blue, and how the negatively charged eosin brings out the pink in proteins.

And, if you want to go beyond hematoxylin and eosin staining, why not download our free histological stains poster and brighten up your lab? It lists common stains, the color they stain tissues, and some useful notes! [2]

Resources:
1. A Beginner’s Guide to Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13400/a-beginners-guide-to-haematoxylin-and-eosin-staining/
2. Bitesize Bio's Histological Stains Poster. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/histological-stains-poster/

Learn how buffers work, [2] and how to navigate the delicate balance of these factors to prevent protein aggregation and keep your purified proteins soluble and active. [3] Tune in for a simplified guide to mastering your protein purification buffer.

Resources:
1. 5 Ingredients for the Perfect Protein Purification Buffer. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7893/how-to-design-the-perfect-protein-purification-buffer/
2. How Do Buffers Work? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8478/how-do-buffers-work/
3. The Definitive Guide to pH, pKa, and pI. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9425/what-is-ph-pka-pi/

Visit the original article to see helpful diagrams, [1] brush up on how fluorescent molecules work, [2] and read up on how to measure FRET for the different methods and practical tips for choosing FRET pairs. [3]

Resources:
1. How FRET Works: A Guide to Visualizing Protein Interactions. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23012/how-fret-works/
2. How Fluorescent Molecules Work. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/32973/fluorescent-molecules/
3. How to Measure FRET. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23295/how-to-measure-fret/

In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we explore what accessibility is and highlight how we can all make science more accessible and inclusive.

Visit the original article for helpful resources and to revisit the key definitions. [1] Make your presentations more accessible using the color blindness simulator, [2] the accessible color pallets, [3] and the list of accessible fonts. [4]

Resources:
1. Accessibility in Science: How Can We Make Science More Accessible? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/65863/accessibility-in-science/
2. Coblis —Color Blindness Simulator. Available at: https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/
3. Coloring for Colorblindness: Color Palette. Available at: https://davidmathlogic.com/colorblind/#%23D81B60-%231E88E5-%23FFC107-%23004D40
4. My favorite free fonts for print disabilities. Available at: https://www.perkins.org/resource/my-eight-favorite-free-fonts-print-disabilities/

Visit the original article for a timeline of cell biology, [1] discover the most commonly used cell lines, [2] and find out why HeLa cells are surrounded by controversy. [3]  

Resources:
1. History of Cell Biology. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/166/history-of-cell-biology/
2. Top 5 of the Most Commonly Used Cell Lines. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/33473/top-5-of-the-most-commonly-used-cell-lines/
3. The Story Behind Your Cell Culture. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7647/the-story-behind-your-cell-culture/

Visit the original article for helpful images of the hemocytometer grid, [1] read up on why cell counting is so important, [2] and get your free cell culture posters, including a handy hemocytometer poster. [3]

Resources:
1. Cell Counting with a Hemocytometer: As easy as 1, 2, 3… Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13687/cell-counting-with-a-hemocytometer-easy-as-1-2-3/
2. A Numbers Game: the ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Counting Cells. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/22758/a-numbers-game-the-how-and-why-of-counting-your-cells/
3. Bitesize Bio's Handy Cell Culture Posters. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/cell-culture-posters/

Check out the original article for links to helpful resources, [1] discover five ways to clean up a DNA sample, [2] and get tips on preparing your vectors for gene cloning. [3]

Resources:
1. Lab Basics: How The Alkaline Lysis Method Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/180/the-basics-how-alkaline-lysis-works/
2. 5 Ways to Clean Up A DNA Sample. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/142/5-ways-to-clean-up-a-dna-sample/
3. 5 Tips on Vector Preparation for Gene Cloning. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13500/cloning-tips-vector-prep/

In this episode, learn all about qPCR standard curves, what they tell you about your primers, and what to try if something doesn't look correct on your standard curve.

Check out the corresponding online article for an example qPCR curve. [1] For more PCR essentials, download our free eBook that explains everything you need to know. [2] And to drill specifically into the efficiency of your PCR, read our article on determining qPCR efficiency. [3]

Resources:
1. The qPCR Standard Curve: The Key to Good qPCR Data. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/31470/obligate-qpcr-standard-curve/
2. The Fundamentals of qPCR and RT-qPCR. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/the-fundamentals-of-qpcr-and-rt-qpcr/
3. Important Considerations for Determining qPCR Efficiency. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/3177/determining-qpcr-efficiency/

Visit the original article for links to related resources [1] and discover why creativity is so important in science. [2] For more helpful tips to boost your research, read our article on how to give an engaging talk [3] or take our course on critical thinking. [4]

Resources:
1. 10 Fun Hobbies for Scientists. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/74251/hobbies-for-scientists/
2. Creativity in Science: How a Good Imagination Can Help Your Research. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/63742/creativity-in-science/
3. How to Give a Great Scientific Talk and Engage Your Audience. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/29880/great-scientific-talk/
4. How to Critically Review a Scientific Manuscript. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/courses/critical-review/

Whether you're new to the game, have only ever sent your samples off for slide preparation, or need a refresher, this episode explains how histology slides are prepared.

Check out the corresponding article for links to related histology resources. [1] Plus, learn about the different fixes for histology [2] and the various ways you can section tissues. [3]

Plus, check out our histology hub for more histology content, from free posters and guides to articles and a jargon-busting glossary of the common terms. [4]

Resources:
1. How Histology Slides Are Prepared. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13398/how-histology-slides-are-prepared/
2. 4 Fixatives for Histology and Cytometry. Perfect Your Preservation. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/22141/fixation-and-flow-cytometry/
3. The Perfect Slice: Preparing Tissue Samples For IHC. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13396/the-perfect-slice-preparing-tissue-samples-for-ihc-2/
4. Histology Made Simple: An Easy Guide for Bioscientists. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/histology/

In this episode, we discuss six sterilization techniques and explain how they work.

Read the original article for additional resources on basic lab techniques. [1] If you're curious about how UV light damages DNA, read this article. [2] And check this article out for the lowdown on filtration. [3]

Resources:
1. 6 Laboratory Sterilization Methods. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/853/5-laboratory-sterilisation-methods/
2. How UV Light Damages DNA and the Havoc it Can Cause to Your Experiments. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/36762/how-uv-light-damages-dna/
3. How Filtration Works: A Short Guide for Biologists. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/59280/how-filtration-works/

In this episode, learn the differences between vector and raster image types, hear the pros and cons of various common file types, and get the lowdown on common parameters such as color models and DPI.

Check out the original article for an easy table that summarizes the key differences between image types. [1] Plus, if you want to make beautiful images of proteins and DNA, read our step-by-step tutorial, [2] and if you need some inspiration, check out our article on the science of figure creation for ideas to make your figures stand out. [3]

Resources:
1. The 2 Types of Digital Images: Tools to Prepare Stunning Images for Publication. https://bitesizebio.com/43785/an-introduction-to-digital-images-in-publications/
2. Learn to Draw a Molecule in PyMOL™ in 8 Easy Steps. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/54445/molecular-visualization-tool/
3. The Art and Science of Figure Creation: Think BIG to see Small. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/30920/art-science-figure-creation/

Check out the original article for links to loads of related resources [1], and you can access all this information as a beautiful poster for your lab. [2]

Resources:
1. 5 Controls for Immunofluorescence: A Beginner’s Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/44370/controls-for-immunofluorescence-a-beginners-guide/
2. Bitesize Bio's Ultimate Immunofluorescence Troubleshooting Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/immunofluorescence-troubleshooting-guide/

In this episode, we answer all those questions and tell you everything you need to know about water of crystallization.

Check out the original article for handy figures that illustrate water of crystallization in real chemicals. [1] And if you want more info on the chemistry that happens in biology labs, check out our article explaining what common buffer additives do [2] and read this article to learn more about pH, pI, and pKa. [3]

Resources:
1. What is Water of Crystallization? Everything You Need to Know. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/73932/water-of-crystallization/
2. Just What Do All These Additives Do? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19420/just-what-do-all-these-additives-do/
3. The Definitive Guide to pH, pKa, and pI. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9425/what-is-ph-pka-pi/

In this episode, we discuss what is a good and bad yield, why your plasmid preps might be sub-optimal, and how you get better yields.

Read the original article for an easy protocol for growing unsaturated cultures. [1] Discover the differences between DNA precipitation and ethanol vs. isopropanol in our article [2] and watch Eppendorf's webinar on centrifugation basics. [3]

Resources:
1. Better Plasmid Purification: 11 Reasons Your Plasmid Yield is Low. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13514/boost-plasmid-yield/
2. DNA Precipitation: Ethanol vs. Isopropanol. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/2839/dna-precipitation-ethanol-vs-isopropanol/
3. Essentials in Centrifugation - Better Safe than Sorry! Available at: https://events.bitesizebio.com/essentials-in-centrifugation-1/

In this episode, we discuss how you can simplify your lab life by delegating, who you can delegate to, and how to do it effectively and without offending anyone!

Read the full article to review everything covered in this episode. [1] If you want a deeper dive into how and when to delegate, listen to the When and How to Delegate episode of The Happy Scientist podcast. [2] And if you're a manager looking to delegate down, read our top 10 tips for being a good boss. [3]

Resources:
1. The Importance of Delegation for Scientists. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/61711/delegation-for-scientists/
2. When and How to Delegate. Available at: https://thehappyscientist.bitesizebio.com/episodes/ep-35-when-and-how-to-delegate
3. 10 Ways to Be a Good Boss. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/1869/10-ways-to-be-a-good-boss/

To ease the pain, this episode gives you a reliable ECL reagent recipe so you can prepare your own fresh (and private) stash anytime you need. We also explain what all the components do.

Check out the corresponding article to see a mechanism for the oxidation of luminol and links to papers discussing alternative enhancers. [1] If you want better Western blot transfers, read our top three tips. [2] And better yet, we've put this ECL reagent recipe, an adaptable Western blot protocol complete with buffer recipes, and loads of troubleshooting tips together in a cheat sheet to stick in your lab book. Download it for free here. [3]

Resources:
1. How To Make ECL Reagent: 4 Ingredients, Better Blots. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8970/how-to-make-your-own-ecl/
2. 3 Hot Tips to Optimize Your Western Blot Transfers. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7356/optimize-your-western-blot/
3. Bitesize Bio's Western Blot Protocol Cheat Sheet. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/western-blot-protocol/

Visit the full article for a handy figure illustrating the elements of the transfer stack. [1]  You can also learn more about the different approaches to blotting. [2] Plus, we've got an easy ECL reagent recipe for you too. [3]

Resources:
1. 3 Hot Tips to Optimize Your Western Blot Transfers. Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/7356/optimize-your-western-blot/
2. 3 Approaches to Western blot Transfer: Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8274/3-approaches-to-western-blot-transfer/
3. How To Make ECL Reagent: 4 Ingredients, Better Blots. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8970/how-to-make-your-own-ecl/

Read the original article, [1] brush up on the harrowing origins of the HeLa cell line, [2] and get advice on how to pick the perfect cell line for your research. [3]

Resources:
1. Top 5 of the Most Commonly Used Cell Lines. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/33473/top-5-of-the-most-commonly-used-cell-lines/
2. The Story Behind Your Cell Culture. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7647/the-story-behind-your-cell-culture/
3. The Do’s and Dont’s of Choosing a Cell Line. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/46957/choosing-a-cell-line/

Visit the full article to leave your comments on handling sweaty glove hands, [1] and check out our guide to choosing the right glove. [2]

Resources:
1. Get a Grip: Dealing with Sweaty Glove Hands.  Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/44798/get-a-grip-dealing-with-sweaty-glove-hands/
2.  Guard Yourself with Our Great Lab Glove Selection Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/22956/guard-yourself-with-our-guide-to-gloves/

Listen to this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside to discover a step-by-step guide for performing Ponceau S staining and how to interpret what the staining means when troubleshooting your failed blots.

Visit the full article to get a written protocol and see examples of Ponceau S staining. [1] Plus, for more help and advice on performing western blots, download our Free Western Blot Protocol Cheat Sheet. [2]

Resources:
1. What Ponceau S Staining Can Reveal About Your Western Blot.  Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/72803/ponceau-s-staining/
2. Bitesize Bio's Western Blot Protocol Cheat Sheet. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/western-blot-protocol/

Read the full article for helpful figures, [1] read the review with a list of incompatibility groupings, [2] check out the detailed review by Novick et al. for details on the categories of incompatibility, [3] and access the review on incompatibility mutations. [4]

Resources:
1. Understanding Plasmid Incompatibility.  Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23341/understanding-plasmid-incompatibility/
2. Novick RP, et al. (1976) Uniform nomenclature for bacterial plasmids: a proposal. Bacteriol Rev. 40(1):168-89. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1128%2Fbr.40.1.168-189.1976
3. Carattoli A. (2009). Resistance Plasmid Families in Enterobacteriaceae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 53(6):2227–38. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.01707-08
4. Camps M. 2010. Modulation of ColE1-like Plasmid Replication for Recombinant Gene Expression. Recent Pat DNA Gene Seq. 4(1):58–73. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2174/187221510790410822

In this episode, we discuss two methods to quantify colocalization: Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Mander’s colocalization coefficient. Listen and learn their use cases and limitations and how to choose appropriate regions of interest in each case.

Read the full article for helpful figures, [1] and because observer subjectivity and color blindness can skew results, check out this article on accessibility in science. [2]

Resources:
1. Protein Colocalization: 2 Essential Methods to Prove Protein Overlap. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/38330/protein-colocalization-you-know-they-overlap-but-can-you-prove-it/
2. Accessibility in Science: How Can We Make Science More Accessible? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/65863/accessibility-in-science/

Listen to this episode and learn about the delicate balance between reaction rate and enzyme stability that makes enzymes the perfect tool for their job. 

Check out the corresponding online article for a simple picture of why enzymes have optimum temperatures. [1] While you're at it, why not check out how DNA ligation works, [2] and discover the incredible variety of polymerases available? [3]

Resources:
1. Understanding The Optimum Temperature For Enzymes. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/120/why-do-enzymes-have-optimal-temperatures/
2. DNA Ligation: How it Works & 6 Top Tips. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10279/how-dna-ligation-works/
3. Get To Know Your DNA Polymerases. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24551/get-to-know-your-dna-polymerases/

Listen as we discuss the pros and cons of using serum and how to remove serum from your cultures and boost your reproducibility.

Read the full article on removing serum, [1] discover the importance of the 3Rs in research, [2] and check out the Fetal Calf Serum-Free Database. [3]

Resources:
1. Going Serum-Free: The How and Why of Removing Serum From Your Media. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/46997/removing-serum-from-your-media/
2. Reduce, Reuse, Refine Your Animal Model Resources with the ‘3Rs’. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/42923/reduce-reuse-refine-your-animal-model-resources-with-the-3rs/
3. Fetal Calf Serum-Free Database. Available at: https://fcs-free.org/

You'll discover the theory behind passage numbers and learn there's a big problem with counting passages.

Read the original article on cell passage numbers to get easy-to-follow visual guides for counting passage numbers, [1] and discover how to calculate doubling numbers. [2]

Resources:
1. Understanding Cell Passage Number and How to Calculate it for Cell Cultures. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13685/cell-culture-passage-number-explained/
2. Best Practices in MSC Culture: Tracking & Reporting Cellular Age Using Population Doubling Level & Not Cell Passage Number. Available at: https://www.roosterbio.com/blog/best-practices-in-msc-culture-tracking-and-reporting-cellular-age-using-population-doubling-level-pdl-and-not-passage-number/

Listen to our top 10 PPE sins. Sins that we've all definitely committed at some point, and see if your pet peeve made it on.

Check out the original article to discover the differences between chemistry- and Howie-type lab coats. [1] And while you're at it, why not learn how to clean up chemical spills in the lab [2] and check out what these common but nasty reagents do to you? [3]

Resources:
1. 10 Common PPE Sins. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9850/10-common-ppe-sins/
2. How to Clean up Chemical Spills in the Lab: 4 Essential Rules. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9357/how-to-clean-up-chemical-spills-in-the-lab/
3. Ten Bad Chemicals in the Lab and What They do to You! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10470/ten-bad-chemicals-in-the-lab-and-what-they-do-to-you/

On the list of places you wouldn't want to spill a chemical, I bet your face ranks pretty high.

Wise scientists know their face protection.

Are you aware of the different types of eye and face protection available? In the latest episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we discuss PPE you can use to keep your eyes and face safe and when to wear it.

Check out the original article for figures on the different types of eye and face protection. [1] And take lab safety up a notch by brushing up on these non-chemical hazards. [2]

Resources:
1. PPE for Eye and Face Protection—Better Safe than Sorry! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23136/know-your-ppe-face-protection/
2. Ten Non-Chemical Lab Hazards and What They Do to You! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/20865/ten-non-chemical-lab-hazards-and-what-they-do-to-you/

But they are extremely dangerous chemicals. It's imperative, therefore, that we handle strong acids safely. That is, prepare, use, use and dispose of them with minimal risk.

So, in this episode, we'll discuss how to handle common strong acids, such as hydrochloric and nitric acid. We'll also look at how to prepare astonishingly strong acids such as aqua regia and piranha solution—for those really stubborn stains.

Read the corresponding online article for handy bulleted instructions for handling strong acids in the lab. [1] Also, why not check out our articles on generating risk assessments, [2] and PPE to keep you safer in the lab? [3]

Resources:
1. How to Handle Strong Acids in the Lab. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/66018/how-to-handle-strong-acids/
2. How to Conduct a Risk Assessment: 6 Essential Steps to a Safer Lab. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/31021/conduct-hazard-identification-risk-assessment/
3. PPE for Eye and Face Protection—Better Safe than Sorry!. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23136/know-your-ppe-face-protection/

In this episode, we'll learn the basic facts about how a pH meter works. Then, using this knowledge, we'll explain how to look after your pH meter and how to fix it the next time it's mishandled by your harried and harrassed lab buddies.

Check out the original article for a handy pH meter schematic to aid your understanding. [1] And to take your lab wizardry to envious levels, why not read our article on pH, pKa, and pI? [2] While you're at it, be sure to learn how buffers work, [3] and check out our lab DIY hub! [4]

Resources:
1. How to Use a pH Meter Correctly in 4 Simple Steps. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8750/how-to-care-for-your-ph-meter/
2. The Definitive Guide to pH, pKa, and pI. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9425/what-is-ph-pka-pi/
3. How Do Buffers Work? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8478/how-do-buffers-work/
4. Bitesize Bio's Lab DIY Hub. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/lab-diy/

It's not just ourselves that we need to protect, as UV light can also damage our precious samples.

Listen to this episode to learn how UV light damages DNA, the sources of UV light in the lab, and precautions to take to protect you and your experiments.

Read the full article [1] to get handy visuals and see the full table of UV light sources in the lab. UV light isn't the only danger to your DNA samples in the lab; read our article on 5 ways to damage DNA to discover other things to avoid when working with DNA. [2]

Resources:
1. How UV Light Damages DNA and the Havoc it Can Cause to Your Experiments. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/36762/how-uv-light-damages-dna/
2. 5 Ways to Damage DNA. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/744/5-ways-to-damage-dna/

Don't forget to visit the full article. [1] For more help and advice on PCR, read our Beginner's Guide to PCR [2] to ensure you have a solid grounding in how it works, and discover The Essential PCR Troubleshooting Checklist. [3]

Resources:
1. Problems Amplifying GC-rich regions? 5 Easy Solutions. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24002/problems-amplifying-gc-rich-regions-problem-solved/
2. What is PCR? The Beginner’s Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19132/pcr-basics-what-is-pcr/
3. The Essential PCR Troubleshooting Checklist. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/343/the-essential-pcr-troubleshooting-checklist/

In this episode, we've rounded up our 8 top tips to help you achieve perfect experimental procedures!

Read the original article for more resources to help you achieve experimental success. [1] If you're struggling to decipher your sticky notes, see our top 10 tips for organizing your lab book once and for all! [2]

Resources:
1. 8 Steps to More Successful Experiments. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7358/8-steps-to-more-successful-experiments/
2. 10 Tips For Organizing Your Lab Book. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/11068/10-tips-for-organizing-your-lab-book/

Check out the original article on how buffers work for helpful figures and to get a non-exhaustive list of Good's buffers. [1] Now you know how buffers work, why not learn how to design the perfect buffer for your protein purification experiments, [2] or read about what separates good buffers from outstanding ones? [3]

Resources:
1. How Do Buffers Work? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8478/how-do-buffers-work/
2. How to Design the Perfect Protein Purification Buffer. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7893/how-to-design-the-perfect-protein-purification-buffer/
3. What Makes a “Good” Laboratory Buffer? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/11226/what-makes-a-good-laboratory-buffer/
 

Visit the original article for a helpful figure that explains Ct values. [1] Plus, visit our related articles to discover important considerations for determining qPCR efficiency, [2] learn how to analyze your qPCR data using double delta Ct analysis, [3] and get advice on housekeeping genes. [4]

Don't forget to brush up on the MIQE guidelines. [5]

Resources:
1. What Is a Cq (Ct) Value? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24581/what-is-a-ct-value/
2. Important Considerations for Determining qPCR Efficiency. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/3177/determining-qpcr-efficiency/
3. 4 Easy Steps to Analyze Your qPCR Data Using Double Delta Ct Analysis. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24894/4-easy-steps-to-analyze-your-qpcr-data-using-double-delta-ct-analysis/
4. Keeping On Top of Housekeeping Genes. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23467/keeping-on-top-of-housekeeping-genes/
5. The MIQE guidelines: minimum information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments. Available at https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2008.112797

Visit the original article on DNA polymerases to get links to the enzymes listed in the episode. [1] Want more information on proofreading polymerases? Read our Short Primer On Proofreading Polymerases. [2]

Don’t need anything fancy in a Polymerase? Save money and learn how to make your own Taq or Pfu polymerases. [3] And for a glace into the polymerase past, read the original article about the isolation of Taq polymerase. [4]

Resources:
1. Get To Know Your DNA Polymerases. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24551/get-to-know-your-dna-polymerases/
2. Mind Your P’s And Q’s: A Short Primer On Proofreading Polymerases. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8080/mind-your-ps-and-qs-a-short-primer-on-proofreading-polymerases/
3. Free PCR for 5 Years (or How to Make your Own Taq and Pfu Polymerase). Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10423/free-pcr-for-5-years/
4. Deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase from the extreme thermophile Thermus aquaticus. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8432/

Listen to this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside to discover 10 ways to use your Dr title, ranging from funny to downright evil.

Don't forget to visit the full article to leave a comment on how you use your Dr title. [1] For more entertaining and lighthearted reading, check out the 14 Funniest Fruit Fly Gene Names, [2] and The Top 10 Worst Lab Smells. [3]

Resources:
1. 10 Ways to Use Your “Dr” Title for Good and Evil. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10370/10-ways-to-use-your-dr-title-for-good-and-evil/
2. 14 of the Funniest Fruit Fly Gene Names. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23221/14-of-the-funniest-fruit-fly-gene-names/
3. The Top 10 Worst Lab Smells. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/6935/top-10-worst-lab-smells/

Check out the original article to read how DNA extraction kits work. [1] Why not learn how to troubleshoot RNA isolation [2] and discover in detail how alkaline lysis works [3] while you're at it?

Resources:
1. How DNA Extraction Kits Work in the Lab. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/25018/how-dna-extraction-kits-work-in-the-lab/
2. Troubleshooting RNA Isolation. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/2345/troubleshooting-rna-isolation/
3. Lab Basics: How Alkaline Lysis Works: https://bitesizebio.com/180/the-basics-how-alkaline-lysis-works/

Don't believe me? Need a laugh? Listen to us countdown fourteen cheeky fruit fly gene names!

Visit the website to read the full article [1] and learn how to sex a fruit fly as well! [2]

Resources:
1. 14 of the Best Drosophila Gene Names, Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/23221/14-of-the-funniest-fruit-fly-gene-names/
2. Gender Reveal: How to Determine the Gender of Drosophila Larvae. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/43147/gender-reveal-how-to-determine-the-gender-of-drosophila-larvae/

Visit our website to read the full article. [1]

Read more about accuracy and precision [2] and the types of statistical error [3] you can avoid by calibrating your lab balance. For more information, see this guide on cleaning and maintaining balances. [4]

Resources:
1. How to Clean and Calibrate Your Lab Balance. Available at https://bitesizebio.com/24193/how-to-clean-and-calibrate-your-lab-balance/
2. How to Measure and Improve Lab Accuracy and Precision. Available at https://bitesizebio.com/55470/accuracy-and-precision/
3. Types of Statistical Errors and What They Mean. Available at https://bitesizebio.com/7642/types-of-statistical-errors-and-what-they-mean/
4. How To Clean and Maintain Precision Balances and Analytical Balances. Available at https://www.grainger.com/know-how/equipment-information/kh-how-to-clean-an-analytical-balance 

Visit our website to read the full article. [1]

If you need more help with your article, check out some of our other resources, such as this guide on writing an abstract, [2] preparing figures for your paper [3] and choosing a journal to submit to. [4] And if you want to know more about the publication process in general, you can learn about peer review. [5]

Resources:
1. How to Write a Thoughtful Discussion for Your Scientific Paper. Available from https://bitesizebio.com/31855/write-discussion-paper/
2. How To Write an Awesome Abstract. Available from https://bitesizebio.com/13661/how-to-write-an-awesome-abstract/
3. How To Make Figures Right The First Time. Available from https://bitesizebio.com/8110/how-to-make-figures-right-the-first-time/
4. Choosing the Best Journal for Your Paper. Available from https://bitesizebio.com/webinar/choosing-the-best-journal-for-your-paper/
5. How Does Peer Review in Science Work? Available from https://bitesizebio.com/60954/peer-review-in-science/

Listen to this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside to understand the theory behind oil immersion microscopy and get six easy tips on perfecting your oil immersion microscopy.

Visit the original article for advice on how to get better microscopy images using oil immersion. [1]

To learn more about microscopy basics that can boost your imaging, check out our articles on numerical aperture and optical resolution. [2,3]

Resources:
1.How Using Oil Immersion Microscopy Can Increase Your Resolution. Available at:
 https://bitesizebio.com/23421/the-why-and-how-of-oil-immersion-microscopy/
2. That Other Number –The Meaning of Numerical Aperture in Microscopy.  Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/13450/that-other-number-the-meaning-of-numerical-aperture-in-microscopy/
3. Rubbing your Microscope’s Eyes: A Guide to Optical Resolution.  Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/13415/rubbing-your-microscopes-eyes-a-guide-to-optical-resolution/

Listen to this episode for a brief primer on AI and to understand the differences between AI, machine learning, and deep learning.

We'll discuss how biologists use AI to enhance their data analysis, simplify their image processing, predict their protein structures, and more!

Make sure you visit the original article, which contains lots of helpful links to get started incorporating AI into your research! [1]

We've also included a list of handy AI resources for biologists that can help you get started in AI. 

These are:

• Fast AI: Making neural nets uncool again [2]
• Deep Learning: Build deep learning models today [3]
• Deep learning specialization: Become a deep learning expert [4]

Resources:
1. Artificial Intelligence in Biology. Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/64186/artificial-intelligence-in-biology/
2. Fast AI: Making neural nets uncool again. Available at:
https://www.fast.ai
3. Deep Learning: Build deep learning models today. Available at:
https://www.udacity.com/course/deep-learning-nanodegree--nd101
4. Deep learning specialization: Become a deep learning expert. Available at:
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/deep-learning/?siteID=EBOQAYvGY4A-CZk7TATLvBfdZnDu2EmtDg

In this episode, we discuss the metrics involved in measuring scientific performance, focusing on the metric of choice for many funding bodies, the h-index, and some of its limitations.

Visit the original article for more resources to help you understand what the h-index is. [1]

To learn more about the h-index, read the article that first proposed it. [2] Find out more about Publish or Perish, a software program that retrieves and analyzes academic citations, [3] and how the various online resources and h-index calculators compare when it comes to providing an accurate and comprehensive picture of the scholarly impact of authors. [4]

Resources:
1. Does Your h-index Measure Up? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13614/does-your-h-index-measure-up/
2. Publish or Perish: Explains the use of Publish or Perish and its metrics. Available at: https://harzing.com/resources/publish-or-perish
3. Hirsch JE. An index to quantify an individual’s scientific research output. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0507655102
4. Meho LI, Yang K. Impact of data sources on citation counts and rankings of LIS faculty: Web of Science versus Scopus and Google Scholar. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.20677

You can find the full article on our website. [1]

Read more about cleaning [2] or calibrating pipettes [3] or learn how clean and calibrate your lab balance. [4] For more information on accuracy and how it differs from precision, see our article "How to Measure and Improve Lab Accuracy and Precision". [5]

Resources:
1. How to Check the Accuracy of Your Pipette in 7 Easy Steps. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/21218/how-to-check-the-accuracy-of-your-pipette/
2. Take Care of Your Tools: Cleaning Pipettes. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/20270/cleaning-pipettes/
3. Performing Pipette Calibration Yourself. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/40766/performing-pipette-calibration-yourself/
4. How to Clean and Calibrate Your Lab Balance. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/24193/how-to-clean-and-calibrate-your-lab-balance/
5. How to Measure and Improve Lab Accuracy and Precision. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/55470/accuracy-and-precision/

Visit our website to read the full article. [1]

Explore other practical secrets of the bacterial world [2] on our website or find out how to avoid lab disasters. [3]

Resources:
1.  How to Make the Perfect Agar Plate Every Time. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/6938/how-to-make-the-perfect-agar-plate-every-time/
2.  Practical Secrets of the Bacterial World for the Uninitiated. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/26345/practical-microbiology-for-the-uninitiated/
3.  Rookie Researcher Disasters. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/194/rookie-researcher-disasters/

But there's a head-spinning amount of protein quantification assays out there! The BCA assay, Bradford assay, biuret reaction, the Folin–Lowry assay—but hold on.

Which assay is appropriate for your sample and why? In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we break down our top 5 protein quantification assays, go into their advantages and disadvantages, and suggest what types of proteins they are appropriate for.

Be sure to visit the corresponding article for table breakdown of the assays discussed. [1] You can also follow up this podcast by reading our article on how colorimetric assays work. [2]

Resources:
1. Top 5 Protein Quantification Assays. Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/23824/top-5-protein-quantification-assays/
2. Ask a Chemist: How Colorimetric Assays Work. Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/7214/ask-a-chemist-how-colorimetric-assays-work/

Be sure to visit the original article, where you can see what others have to say about our top ten picks. [1] You can also contribute your own worst-smelling chemical in the comments! Also check out the top ten stupid safety mistakes we've made. [2]

Resources:
1. The Top 10 Worst Lab Smells. Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/6935/top-10-worst-lab-smells/
2. 10 Stupid Lab Safety Mistakes. Available at:
https://bitesizebio.com/1899/stupid-lab-safety-mistakes/

You can find the full article on our website. [1]

Learn more about different bacterial strains [2] and get to grips with growth curves [3], or find out how to train yourself to measure OD600 by eye [4]. And if you're curious about sporulating bacteria, read this article about endospores [5].

Resources:
1. Is Your Bacterial Culture Still Growing? A Primer on OD­600 Measurements. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/41100/is-your-bacterial-culture-still-growing/
2. Choosing the Right Bacterial Strains for Your Lab. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/55858/bacterial-strains-for-lab/
3.Why Isn’t My Culture Growing? The S-Curve Explained. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/37809/culture-growing-s-curve-explained/
4.How To Train Yourself to Measure OD600 by Eye. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/7271/how-to-train-yourself-to-measure-od600-by-eye/
5.Meet Nature’s Oldest Doomsday Preppers: Endospores. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/38204/meet-natures-oldest-doomsday-preppers-endospores/

Visit the original article on CRISPR-Cas13 to see helpful diagrams and a table summarizing where to buy Cas13 plasmids. [1]

Want to know more about how CRISPR can help your research? Visit our CRISPR hub, [2] where you can find articles explaining the basics of how CRISPR works, [3] discover the wealth of CRISPR nucleases available, [4] get advice on using CRISPR in your research, [5] and more.

Resources:
1. CRISPR-Cas13: How to Revolutionize Your RNA Research. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/64751/crispr-cas13/
2. CRISPR Hub. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/CRISPR/
3. CRISPR Technology Explained: Towards a CRISPR Genome! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/32581/crispr-technology-explained/
4. CRISPR Nucleases: The Ultimate Guide To Selection. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/46146/crispr-nucleases-the-ultimate-guide/
5. CRISPR Gene Editing: Considerations and Getting Started. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/47239/crispr-gene-editing-getting-started/

But don't let centrifugation scare you! In this episode, you'll learn how to properly balance, when to use the brake, what the difference is between RCF and RPM, and more.

Read the full Whats and Whys of Centrifugation article for some of the most common issues that can be easily overlooked during centrifugation and why they are so important for the proper handling of a centrifuge. [1] Discover why RPM Does Not Equal RCF, and get top tips for Proper Use and Handling of Centrifugal Filters. [2,3]

Resources:
1. Keep Calm and Spin On: The Whats and Whys of Centrifugation. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/47991/centrifuges-centrifugation/
2. RPM Does Not Equal RCF. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/1777/rpm-does-not-equal-rcf/
3. Spinning Around: Tips and Tricks for Using Centrifugal Filters. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/44738/spinning-around-tips-and-tricks-for-using-centrifugal-filters/

To learn more about protease inhibitors and to access the table with information about common protease inhibitors, read the full article on our website [1].

Read more about how protease inhibitors work [2], learn about protein expression [3] and find out what you need to consider during cell lysis [4].

Resources:
1. Protease Inhibitors 101: How They Work and How to Use Them. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/58195/protease-inhibitors-101/
2. How Proteases and Protease Inhibitors Work. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/8845/how-proteases-and-protease-inhibitors-work/
3. The Bitesize Bio Guide to Protein Expression – a Bitesize Bio eBook. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/webinar/the-bitesize-bio-guide-to-protein-expression-a-bitesize-bio-ebook/
4. Four Important Considerations for Your Cell Lysis. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/40942/4-important-considerations-for-your-cell-lysis/

Visit the original article to see a summary table of running your SDS-PAGE gels at a constant voltage, current or power. [1] We've also got tips and tricks for casting the perfect SDS-PAGE gel, [2] or read a refresher on how SDS-PAGE works. [3]

Resources:
1. Constant Current or Voltage in SDS-PAGE: The Great Debate. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/51744/constant-current-or-voltage-in-sds-page/.
2. A Simple SDS-PAGE Gel Recipe and 10-Step Casting Protocol for Perfect Gels. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/59429/sds-page-gel-recipe/.
3. How SDS-PAGE Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/580/how-sds-page-works/.

In this episode, you'll discover our top 6 DNA ligation tips to improve the efficiency of your ligations and increase your cloning success rate!

Read the full article to get more practical advice for optimizing DNA ligation reactions for cloning. [1] Want more cloning advice? Read about Cloning with Compatible Cohesive Ends, [2] and discover how to Remove Unwanted DNA from Vectors. [3] Also, find out why T4 DNA ligase is such a popular ligase and perhaps the only ligation enzyme you’ll ever need. [4]

Resources:
1. DNA Ligation: How it Works & 6 Top Tips. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10279/how-dna-ligation-works/
2. Assembling the Puzzle: Cloning with Compatible Cohesive Ends. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/21716/assembling-the-puzzle-cloning-with-compatible-cohesive-ends/
3. Tech Clinic #1: Removing Unwanted DNA from Vectors — beat Murphy’s Law. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10228/removing-unwanted-dna-from-vectors-how-to-beat-murphys-law/
4. T4 DNA Ligase: The Only Ligase You’ll Ever Need? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/46482/t4-dna-ligase-the-only-ligase-youll-ever-need/

But do you understand the mind-blowing science behind this technique? And what is cryo-electron microscopy, anyway? Why is the cryogenic aspect important, and how did it seemingly go from nothing to the big time? In the latest episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we answer all of these questions and more!

Check out the corresponding online article to access loads of follow-up resources to deepen your understanding of this topic.[1] Also, check out our related articles covering crucial sample preparation considerations for cryo-EM and its history from obscure to Nobel Prize winner. [2,3]

Resources:
1. What Is Cryo-Electron Microscopy? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62871/what-is-cryo-electron-microscopy/
2. Cryo-EM Sample Prep: 5 Crucial Considerations. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62619/cryo-em-sample-prep/
3. A Short History of Cryo-Electron Microscopy: Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62839/history-of-cryo-electron-microscopy/

It's commonly used, but not well understood.

Listen to this episode to get a quick explanation of how phenol extraction of DNA works.

Visit the original article to see handy diagrams on how phenol extraction works. [1] To get more help and advice on DNA extraction, read our related articles and discover how chloroform can clean up your phenol extractions, [2] learn how ethanol precipitation works, [3] and decide if ethanol or isopropanol is best for precipitating your samples. [4]

Resources:
1. The Basics: How Phenol Extraction of DNA Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/384/the-basics-how-phenol-extraction-works/
2. Practical Application of Phenol-Chloroform Extraction. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/3651/practical-application-of-phenol-chloroform-extraction/
3. Ethanol Precipitation of DNA and RNA: How it Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/253/the-basics-how-ethanol-precipitation-of-dna-and-rna-works/
4. DNA Precipitation: Ethanol vs. Isopropanol. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/2839/dna-precipitation-ethanol-vs-isopropanol/

Preparing answers to these questions, alongside doing some background research about the research group and PI, can give you the edge in securing that postdoc.

You can recap these top 10 questions anytime by visiting the full article on popular postdoc interview questions. [1]

If you are looking for further interview advice, make sure you check out our top 10 interview tips [2], consider how you might concisely describe your research so far [3], and get advice on what to wear for the interview. [4]

Resources:
1. Postdoc Interview Preparation: Sample Questions and Answers. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10393/postdoc-interview-preparation-sample-questions-and-answers/
2. 10 Great Tips To Make A Good Impression At Your Interview. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/6696/10-great-tips-to-make-a-good-impression-at-your-interview/
3. Can You Describe Your Research in 30 Seconds? 60? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13639/can-you-describe-your-research-in-30-seconds-60/
4. GOT AN INTERVIEW! What to wear? What to wear? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/6261/got-an-interview-what-to-wear-what-to-wear/

If you're stuck in a research rut in the lab, developing your creativity can help you find new solutions to current problems that may be impeding your scientific progress.

In this episode, we explore 3 important questions you should consider to help spark your creativity in the lab and provide 8 simple tips to help achieve this.

Read the full article on boosting your creativity in science. [1]

If you are looking for further advice, make sure you listen to our Happy Scientist Podcast episode on Imagination, which covers even more ways to boost your imagination and creativity. [2] Consider the importance of allowing yourself time to think and reflect. [3] Finally, listen to this episode of the Microscopists featuring Eric Betzig where the Nobel Laureate reveals how his biggest ideas came during his two periods of unemployment. [4]

Resources:
1. Creativity in Science: How a Good Imagination Can Help Your Research. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/63742/creativity-in-science/
2. Episode 33 — How to Foster Imagination. Available at : https://bitesizebio.com/podcast/episode-33-how-to-foster-imagination/
3. Time to Think. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/146/time-to-think/
4. Eric Betzig (University of California). Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/podcast/eric-betzig/ 

In this episode, we'll take a look at ten dangerous chemicals in the lab and the harm they can cause you.

Want to develop your understanding of chemical safety? Why not read the full article, [1] where you'll find lots of helpful resources and further reading. If you fancy a deeper dive into all aspects of lab safety, then check out the Bitesize Bio lab safety eBook. [2]

If you're a bit rusty on your good laboratory practice, definitely read 10 Stupid Lab Safety Mistakes [3] and see how many sins you commit. And finally, we all rely on our PPE for protection and safety. Be sure to take a look at our 10 Common PPE Sins for a quick brush-up. [4]

Resources:
1. Ten Bad Chemicals in the Lab and What They do to You! Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10470/ten-bad-chemicals-in-the-lab-and-what-they-do-to-you/
2. The Bitesize Bio Guide to Lab Safety eBook. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Bitesize-Bio-Guide-to-Lab-Safety.pdf
3. 10 Stupid Lab Safety Mistakes. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/1899/stupid-lab-safety-mistakes/
4. 10 Common PPE Sins. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/9850/10-common-ppe-sins/

Read the original article to get visual guides to help you understand and measure your cell confluency accurately. [1]

Do you want more information to help you perfect your cell culture? Check out related articles to learn how to get the right passage number for your cells and how to culture adherent cells like HEK293's. [2,3]

Resources:
1. How Confluent Are Your Cells? A Beginner’s Guide to Measuring Cell Culture Confluency. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/63887/cell-confluency/
2. What’s in a Number: Getting the Right Passage in Cell Culture. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13685/cell-culture-passage-number-explained/
3. What the HEK? A Beginner’s Guide to HEK293 Cells. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/45489/guide-to-hek293-cells/

Read the full article to learn more about this buffer and get a handy Laemmli buffer recipe. [1]

Looking for more information on SDS-PAGE? Discover the theory behind SDS-PAGE and get advice on how you can cast the perfect SDS-PAGE gel. [2,3] You can also download our useful SDS-PAGE protocol PDF that contains simple buffer recipes, gel recipes, and a neat casting protocol. [4]

Resources:

1. Laemmli Buffer: What Is It for Anyway? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/44540/laemmli-buffer-what-is-it-for-anyway/
2. How SDS-PAGE Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/580/how-sds-page-works/
3. A Simple SDS-PAGE Gel Recipe and 10-Step Casting Protocol for Perfect Gels. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/59429/sds-page-gel-recipe/
4. Bitesize Bio's SDS-PAGE Protocol PDF Cheat Sheet. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/sds-page-protocol-pdf/

Read the full article to learn more about alternative splicing, including a visual diagram of how splicing works. [1]

Read our related articles to find out how alternative splicing can affect your experiments and discover methods for detecting splice variants. [2,3]

Resources:

1. What is Alternative Splicing, and Why Is It Important? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10148/what-is-alternative-splicing-and-why-is-it-important/
2. How Can A Single Mutation Affect Splicing Regulation? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10307/how-can-a-single-mutation-affect-splicing-regulation/
3. How to Detect Alternative Splicing Variants. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10138/how-to-detect-alternative-splicing-variants/

To see what others are saying and join in the conversation, head over to the comments section in the original article on why SDS-PAGE is run vertically. [1]

If this episode has ignited your desire for answers, Check out some of our related articles to learn the how SDS-PAGE works and discover whether running your SDS-PAGE gels with constant current or constant voltage is best. [2,3]

Resources:
1. Why Is SDS-PAGE Run Vertically? Here are 3 Great Answers. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10699/why-is-sds-page-run-vertically/
2. How SDS-PAGE Works. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/580/how-sds-page-works/
3. Constant Current or Voltage in SDS-PAGE: The Great Debate. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/51744/constant-current-or-voltage-in-sds-page/

To learn more about plasmid copy number, read the full article on our site: https://bitesizebio.com/22824/how-to-manipulate-plasmid-copy-number/

To learn more about surviving your viva, read the full article on our site: https://bitesizebio.com/10109/top-10-tips-for-viva-success/

Read the full article to learn more about the history of CRISPR-Cas9 and to see a timeline of discoveries here - https://bitesizebio.com/47927/history-crispr/

To learn more about accuracy and precision, read the full article on our site here - https://bitesizebio.com/55470/accuracy-and-precision/

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 Mentors At Your Benchside.

Please read the full article, which includes our super helpful table of fluorescent proteins and their properties! - https://bitesizebio.com/54287/choosing-a-fluorescent-protein/

Read the full article [2] for handy protocol tips, the differences between using ethanol and isopropanol, and when to use each method.

Resources:
1 - https://bitesizebio.com/2007/12/04/the-basics-how-ethanol-precipitation-of-dna-and-rna-works/
2 - https://bitesizebio.com/2839/dna-precipitation-ethanol-vs-isopropanol/

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/fluorescent-molecules/

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 episode, we answer these questions, providing you with the information you need to keep your research producing top-notch results. Read the full article on Which Type of Ethanol You Should Use [1] for links to additional resources on laboratory applications of ethanol.

Resources:
1 - https://bitesizebio.com/13518/which-type-of-ethanol-should-i-use/

Read the full article [1] for more details about working with HEK293 cells

Resources:
1 - https://bitesizebio.com/45489/guide-to-hek293-cells/

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-mercaptoethanol, and the critical importance of the stacking gel.

Read the full How SDS-PAGE Works article [1] to see helpful visuals for how this technique works and access the table showing the protein sizes that different acrylamide percentages can separate.

Expand your knowledge by buffing up on laemmli buffer [2] and get our Guide to Gradient Gels. [3] If you pour your own SDS-PAGE gels, take a deep dive into the chemistry of how gels work and learn how to pour perfect gels every time with our  Simple SDS-PAGE Gel Recipe with 10-Step Casting Protocol. [4]

Resources:
1 - https://bitesizebio.com/580/how-sds-page-works/
2 - https://bitesizebio.com/44540/laemmli-buffer-what-is-it-for-anyway/
3 - https://bitesizebio.com/47184/gradient-gels/
4 - https://bitesizebio.com/59429/sds-page-gel-recipe/

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 translational and transcriptional fusions, FRAP, FLIP and FRET experiments in the lab. [2,3]

Read the full article for more useful links, hints, and tips on using GFP in your experiments. [4]

Resources:
1. Press release. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Fri. 1 Jul 2022. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2008/press-release/
2. Fun With FRAP! Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching for Confocal Microscopy. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19946/fun-with-frap-fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching-for-confocal-microscopy/
3. Using Flow Cytometry for Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/21935/using-flow-cytometry-for-fluorescence-resonance-energy-transfer/
4. How a Jellyfish Changed Biology: the Discovery and Development of GFP. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13390/gfp/

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 outs of ethanol precipitation and other DNA clean-up approaches.

Resources:
1. https://bitesizebio.com/253/the-basics-how-ethanol-precipitation-of-dna-and-rna-works/

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 the difference between a Science Fan and a bona fide Scientist

Resources:
1. https://bitesizebio.com/31887/scientific-conferences-how-where-to-go/
2. https://bitesizebio.com/33270/types-of-water-lab/
3. https://bitesizebio.com/36753/20-telling-signs-scientist/

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, 4] For practical tips, see our article on the top tips for primer design. [5]

Resources:
1. What is PCR? The Beginner’s Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19132/pcr-basics-what-is-pcr/
2. Kary B. Mullis – Facts. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Fri. 1 Jul 2022. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1993/mullis/facts/
3. The Invention of PCR. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13505/the-invention-of-pcr/
4. Mr. Cycle, Thermal Cycler. Available at: https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1000862
5. How to Survive a Difficult PCR. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/37205/how-to-survive-a-difficult-pcr/

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.

And speaking of images, be sure to read A Short History of Cryo-Electron Microscopy for a graphical timeline and some stunning cryo-EM structures. [1]

Fascinating, cross-disciplinary science underpins cryo-EM—the technique is as broad as it is popular. To expand your understanding of the fundamental science behind it, Read What Is Cryo-Electron Microscopy? A Brief Introduction. [2] For tips and tricks on getting your sample ready for a cryo-EM experiment, check out Cryo-EM Sample Prep: 5 Crucial Considerations. [3] And for a simple illustration of the stunning structures cryo-EM produces, browse the Electron Microscopy Data Bank. [4]

Resources:
1. A Short History of Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62839/history-of-cryo-electron-microscopy/
2. What Is Cryo-Electron Microscopy? A Brief Introduction. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62871/what-is-cryo-electron-microscopy/
3. Cryo-EM Sample Prep: 5 Crucial Considerations, Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62619/cryo-em-sample-prep/
4. Electron Microscopy Data Bank. Available at: https://www.ebi.ac.uk/emdb/

Want to know more about correct pipetting technique? Access the original article on 17 Ways to Avoid Pipetting Errors, download the Gilson Guide to Pipetting, and read the Nature article showing the effect of sample temperature on pipetting volume. [1, 2, 3]

Resources:
1. 17 Ways to Stop Pipetting Errors From Ruining Your Experiments. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/344/17-ways-to-stop-pipetting-errors-ruining-your-experiments/
2. Gilson Guide to Pipetting. Available at: https://gb.gilson.com/GBSV/guide-to-pipetting
3. Millet, F., Barthlen, T. Securing accuracy and precision when pipetting hot and cold liquids with Microman®. Nat Methods 4, iii–iv (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmeth1086

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 sure you check out our article with pointers for PhD students. [2] A good PhD supervisor is worth their weight in gold and finding a good mentor should be a priority. [3] And, if you’re sure that a PhD is the right move for you, then search for PhDs in Biological and Medical Sciences to find the right PhD to suit you. [4] Finally, read our handy article that lists some alternative career options for scientists. [5]

Resources:
1. Is it Worth Doing a PhD After a Master’s? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/11022/is-it-worth-doing-a-phd-after-a-masters/
2. 10 Do’s and Don’ts for PhD Students. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/articles/10-dos-and-donts-for-phd-students/
3. Picking an Advisor: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/articles/picking-an-advisor-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
4. Find a PhD. Available at: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/biological-and-medical-sciences/?10gc00
5. Alternative Careers For Scientists. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/301/alternative-careers-for-scientists/