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Henry Erlich
A Not-So-Simple Idea
A moonlit drive inspired the theory behind PCR. What did it take to make that wild idea reality?
A Not-So-Simple Idea
A Not-So-Simple Idea

A moonlit drive inspired the theory behind PCR. What did it take to make that wild idea reality?

A moonlit drive inspired the theory behind PCR. What did it take to make that wild idea reality?

PCR, microbiology

Scientist working in a biosafety cabinet
Cell Culture Conquests: Finding and Defeating the Invisible Enemy
The Scientist and MilliporeSigma | Dec 8, 2022 | 3 min read
Cutting-edge reagents, kits, and techniques provide a robust solution to cell culture mycoplasma contamination.
Millipore stock
Viral Nucleic Acid Purification in a Single Spin
The Scientist and MilliporeSigma | Apr 6, 2022 | 3 min read
A simple nucleic acid extraction approach quickly purifies genomic viral RNA and DNA while minimizing cross-contamination risks.
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A New COVID-19 Spit Test Is as Easy as 1-2-3
Roni Dengler, PhD | Aug 16, 2021 | 4 min read
A device smaller than two stacked decks of cards can reliably detect and discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 variants in spit in less than an hour with results that glow.
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Understanding Our Enemies: Identifying Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance
The Scientist | Aug 3, 2021 | 1 min read
Researchers sample and sequence bacteria from biological and environmental sources to learn how to overcome selective pressure
The Researchers Who Pivoted to COVID-19: One Year On
Shawna Williams | Jul 1, 2021 | 7 min read
The Scientist checks in on scientists who switched gears to combat the pandemic.
Special report
a hand in a blue glove holds a clear plastic multiwell plate in a laboratory with foil-wrapped plates on a metal shelf in the background
Labs Worldwide Still Struggling Amid Broken Supply Chains
Katarina Zimmer | May 21, 2021 | 8 min read
Countries outside the US and Europe that are already used to long wait times for laboratory supplies are facing greater research disruptions than ever during the pandemic.
Dr. Brock standing in nature, holding a walking stick and wearing binoculars around his neck.
Microbiologist Thomas Brock Dies at 94
Lisa Winter | Apr 23, 2021 | 2 min read
Brock’s discovery of a thermophile bacteria at Yellowstone National Park in 1966 eventually enabled the development of PCR.
Toward COVID-19 Testing Any Time, Anywhere
Abby Olena, PhD | Sep 2, 2020 | 7 min read
Researchers are adapting CRISPR, synthetic biology, and other creative approaches to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids outside of the lab or doctors’ offices, in the hopes of making diagnostics more affordable and accessible.
university of illinois saliva test covid-19 sars-cov-2 rt-pcr campus screening coronavirus pandemic
U of Illinois Returns to School with 20,000 Saliva Tests Per Day
Emma Yasinski | Aug 28, 2020 | 3 min read
The school requires each student, faculty, and staff member to be tested twice per week and sends the results straight to their cell phones.
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, coronavirus, saliva, testing, PCR, FDA, emergency use authorization
FDA Approves New Saliva-Based COVID-19 Test
Amanda Heidt | Aug 17, 2020 | 3 min read
SalivaDirect, an open-source protocol, avoids many of the supply bottlenecks of other tools and could be offered for as little as $10 a test.
Extreme Biotech: Understanding Extremophile Biology to Impact Human Health
The Scientist | Aug 6, 2020 | 1 min read
Jaclyn Winter and Shiladitya DasSarma will discuss how they harness the unique biology of extremophiles for the discovery and development of new therapeutics.
Image of the Day: Huo-Yan Air Lab
Amy Schleunes | Apr 9, 2020 | 1 min read
An inflatable biosafety laboratory may help meet the global need for testing infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
coronavirus covid-19 sars-cov-2 test assay analysis point-of-care swab id now abbott labs mesa biotech cepheid fda emergency use authorization
FDA Gives Abbott Emergency Use of Five-Minute Coronavirus Test
Kerry Grens | Mar 30, 2020 | 2 min read
The machine can be run in doctor’s offices and other point-of-care settings to give rapid results.
RNA Extraction Kits for COVID-19 Tests Are in Short Supply in US
Jef Akst | Mar 11, 2020 | 2 min read
Manufacturing sites are ramping up production of reagents needed to isolate SARS-CoV-2’s genetic material—a key step in testing for the virus.
The Sooner, The Better
Nicholette Zeliadt | Jul 1, 2014 | 8 min read
New approaches to diagnosing bacterial infections may one day allow the identification of pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility in a matter of hours or minutes.
Focus on the Host
Tracy Vence | Sep 18, 2013 | 4 min read
A patient response-based gene expression signature can distinguish respiratory infections caused by viruses from those of bacterial or fungal origin.
Rapid Bird Flu Test
Cristina Luiggi | Jun 4, 2012 | 1 min read
New PCR assay can detect more than 40 strains of H5N1 in a single go.
Microbiology Goes High-Tech
Jeffrey M. Perkel | Jun 1, 2012 | 8 min read
Out with toothpicks and pipettors; in with automation.
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