Shows
The AI OptimistWeird rat, AI Fake Science - trust the what?Once upon a time, we said, "trust the science," the method of finding answers.Then came this new study, rooted in the scientific method, carefully and cleverly outlining new research. It was peer-reviewed and approved for publication.It gave us this rat with giant balls. I mean, they're twice the size of its head parts. It probably needs a wheelbarrow to walk down the street.But then somebody noticed in the journal that the words read a little weird, like Midjourney gibberish.How does this kind of work get published and...
2024-08-1624 min
Mentors at Your BenchsideTop 10 Uses of Microbes in Biotechnology#111 — In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of microbes and their revolutionary applications in biotechnology. From environmental solutions to breakthroughs in health and medicine, microbes hold the key to some of the most advanced scientific developments.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...
2024-08-0609 min
Mentors at Your BenchsideMaxam–Gilbert Sequencing: What It Is and 3 Modern Applications#103 — DNA sequencing is a fundamental technique in modern molecular biology that has revolutionized the study of genes.In the old days, Maxam–Gilbert sequencing was the method of choice, but it has mostly been replaced by Sanger sequencing and Next-Generation methods.Yet, it still has some niche uses, and in the historical context of DNA sequencing, it’s hugely important!So, in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...
2024-04-1608 min
Mentors at Your Benchside7 Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Flow Cytometry Training#99 — So you’ve got your flow cytometry training booked and are one step closer to that precious data.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...
2024-02-2712 min
Mentors at Your BenchsideHow to Preserve Microorganisms: Store Your Cells Better#96 — An appropriate microorganism preservation method can make all the difference in maintaining the viability of your microbial strains because it plays a crucial role in ensuring reproducible results and continuity in research.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 Mi...
2024-02-0607 min
Mentors at Your BenchsidePractical Applications and Considerations of Phenol-Chloroform Extraction#94 — While there are lots of methods to choose from for cleaning up your RNA or DNA samples, for many researchers, phenol-chloroform is the go-to technique. 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 the...
2024-01-2312 min
Mentors at Your BenchsideHow to Identify Supercoils, Nicks and Circles in DNA Plasmid Preps#90 — Are you confused about the banding pattern of DNA on agarose gels? DNA can take many structural forms depending on its source and how you have isolated and purified it. And those forms, including linear, nicked, closed circled, and supercoiled, all migrate at different rates on agarose gels. 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 yo...
2023-12-1904 min
The AI Optimist👁️🗨️Deepfake Authenticity -can you spot a fake? Media Forensics, a Listening Experiment, and Possible Impacts on Criminal JusticeAs he opened the courtroom door, he didn’t know his child custody hearing would involve an attack with an angry audio he never spoke, that his ex-wife created by Googling.Deepfakes aren’t just about politicians and celebrities, they are hitting home. And they are also opening up creative avenues for spoken word, audiobooks, and so much more.Jason Rodgers shares insights from his Masters Research, with a focus on media forensics, criminal justice deepfakes, how to create them and how to spot them.Listen on Apple || Spotify || YouTubeTa...
2023-12-1428 min
Mentors at Your BenchsideHow to Totally Nail Your First in situ Hybridization#88 — Getting the best out of your in situ hybridizations requires choosing the correct protocol, deciding if sections or whole mount is better, using the right equipment, making fresh buffers, careful planning for all steps, optimizing your probe concentration, and taking the time to get the development step right. In other words, there are a lot of ways in situ hybridizations can go wrong!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]Re...
2023-12-0505 min
Mentors at Your BenchsideHow to Write a Thoughtful Discussion for Your Scientific Paper#40 — Are you struggling to write the discussion section of your paper? It can be daunting to put your results in context and to thoughtfully consider limitations and future experiments, but we've collected some useful advice to help you on your way. 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...
2022-12-0610 min