Protocols and Tips

Counting is something we are all familiar with but it’s not always as simple as one, two, three. Measuring the concentration of cells in suspension is a common but surprisingly complex task in cell biology that is easy to get wrong. This article explores ten factors that can influence cell counting, gives advice on how to improve accuracy, and dispels some commonly held myths.

The ChemiDoc Go Imaging System, the newest in the ChemiDoc imaging line, effortlessly captures precise, high-sensitivity images of western blots and nucleic acid gels from a compact benchtop system — transforming lab workflows. Explore how this next-generation imager redefines your research capabilities across various applications, including multiplexing and stain-free protein detection.

Dive into an in-depth exploration of the molecular methods for gene expression profiling — highlighting the strengths, applications, and uses of quantitative PCR (qPCR), Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technologies.

Learn about 5 key aspects of a PCR plate that are crucial to your results. These tips provide you with the tools to make an informed decision when purchasing PCR plates.

Learn how to improve your western blotting results with our Quick Tips video series. Watch these 1–2 minute videos see how to perfect each step of the western blotting process.

Follow along as a new starry-eyed graduate student learns the ins and outs of life as a research scientist, gaining valuable western blotting tips and tricks. Along for the ride are a seasoned postdoctoral fellow and traditional principal investigator.

We asked core facilities staff and research scientists from the U.S. and Europe for their top tips for securing funding for large instrumentation, such as a cell analyzer or cell sorter. Here are the key questions you should consider while preparing your grant application to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Learn how a team developed a single-step workflow for column purification of the Influenza A H1N1 subtype using the recently developed Nuvia HP-Q Anion Exchange Resin. This protocol is scalable, efficient, and produced good yields with high purity.

Mice are critical model organisms for the study of neuroinflammation. But tissue quantity is often a limiting factor. In a recent paper, researchers describe a protocol for analysis of 33 cytokines and chemokines using only 50 μl of tissue homogenate. The remaining homogenate can be used for RNA extraction or other analysis.

Presented here are some tips to help you avoid buyer’s remorse and make an educated decision about which instrument to purchase. These tips provide you with the tools to make an informed decision when purchasing a cell sorter.