THE NEW Y: Antibodies, classically depicted as Y-shape molecules, are central elements of the mammalian immune system, flagging bacteria (green) for destruction by phagocytes (large, round cells). Antibodies have also served as key research tools and life-saving therapeutics, but new alternatives are becoming available.© GUNILLA ELAM/SCIENCE SOURCE
There is a growing reproducibility problem across the life sciences. The retraction rate of published papers has increased tenfold over the past decade, and researchers have reported only being able to replicate published results in 11 percent1 or 25 percent2 of attempts. It’s become known as the “reproducibility crisis,” and science is in a race to fix it.
One major factor contributing to this problem is the use of poorly validated research antibodies. Lot to lot, antibodies can vary wildly. Some may not bind specifically to their target, or they may bind a different cellular protein altogether. According to one estimate, researchers around the world spend $800 million each year on poorly performing antibodies.3 (See “Exercises for Your Abs” here.)
While many researchers debate the ...
