Mentors at Your Benchside

#15 — In the last few years, CRISPR-Cas9 has become a popular genome editing tool, but have you ever wondered where it came from? In this episode we explore the history of CRISPR-Cas9, from the first CRISPR discovery in 1987 to current applications in targeted genome and epigenome editing.

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/

#14 — Do you know how accurate and precise your measurements are? Imprecise and inaccurate measurements can have a dramatic impact on your results. Listen to get 8 top tips for making your measurements more accurate and precise.

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

#13 — There are now hundreds of different tailored fluorescent proteins to choose from that can improve your experiments in the lab.

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/

#12 — As a follow-up to our episode about ethanol precipitation of DNA and RNA [1], this episode explains the differences between DNA precipitation in ethanol and isopropanol, helping you to figure out which method is the best choice for your experiment.

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/

#11 — Fluorescence is undoubtedly one of the most important and useful tools in a biologist’s toolbox. But do you actually know how fluorescence works?

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/

#10 — As you probably know, there are different types of ethanol found in biology labs. It's a versatile solvent used in dozens of experiments and procedures, including disinfection, DNA precipitation, and tissue dehydration.

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/

#9 — One of the most commonly used cell lines in molecular biology labs is the Human Embryonic Kidney HEK293 cell line.
Listen to this episode to find out all about the history of HEK293 cells and how to work with them.   

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

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

#8 — You probably have or will use SDS-PAGE at some point to separate proteins, but do you really understand how this technique works? Knowing how SDS-PAGE works means you can tweak and troubleshoot your technique as well as impress your supervisor and lab mates.

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/

#7 — In this episode, we cover how jellyfish were able to have a huge impact on biology through the discovery and development of GFP.

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/

#6 — Ethanol precipitation is a commonly used technique for concentrating and de-salting nucleic acid preparations in an aqueous solution.

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/