Mentors at Your Benchside

#5 — Have you ever chilled beer on dry ice from the lab? Does your wardrobe consist mainly of free t-shirts from companies at conferences [1]? Have you ever wondered what the distilled water in the lab tastes like [2]?

If any of these questions apply to you, then tune in to this episode, as we cover more funny and telling signs that you're a true scientist.

Read the full article [3] to discover the difference between a Science Fan and a bona fide Scientist

Resources:
1. https://bitesizebio.com/31887/scientific-conferences-how-where-to-go/
2. https://bitesizebio.com/33270/types-of-water-lab/
3. https://bitesizebio.com/36753/20-telling-signs-scientist/

#4 — PCR is a useful lab technique used to copy, sequence or quantify DNA. If you're new to PCR, this episode is for you. We cover the five things you need to get started with PCR and explain how to run a polymerase chain reaction.

Read the full article to learn more about setting up a PCR. [1]

Learn more about Kary Mullis and the invention of PCR, and about the first thermocycler "Mr Cycle". [2, 3, 4] For practical tips, see our article on the top tips for primer design. [5]

Resources:
1. What is PCR? The Beginner’s Guide. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19132/pcr-basics-what-is-pcr/
2. Kary B. Mullis – Facts. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Fri. 1 Jul 2022. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1993/mullis/facts/
3. The Invention of PCR. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13505/the-invention-of-pcr/
4. Mr. Cycle, Thermal Cycler. Available at: https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1000862
5. How to Survive a Difficult PCR. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/37205/how-to-survive-a-difficult-pcr/

#3 — In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, listen to a short history of cryo-electron microscopy—the Nobel Prize-winning technique revolutionizing molecular and structural biology.

The journey takes us from the inception of cryo-EM- obscure, inferior, and derided- to the present-day competition for access to the incredibly powerful Krios microscopes.

It's all about the power of an image.

And speaking of images, be sure to read A Short History of Cryo-Electron Microscopy for a graphical timeline and some stunning cryo-EM structures. [1]

Fascinating, cross-disciplinary science underpins cryo-EM—the technique is as broad as it is popular. To expand your understanding of the fundamental science behind it, Read What Is Cryo-Electron Microscopy? A Brief Introduction. [2] For tips and tricks on getting your sample ready for a cryo-EM experiment, check out Cryo-EM Sample Prep: 5 Crucial Considerations. [3] And for a simple illustration of the stunning structures cryo-EM produces, browse the Electron Microscopy Data Bank. [4]

Resources:
1. A Short History of Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62839/history-of-cryo-electron-microscopy/
2. What Is Cryo-Electron Microscopy? A Brief Introduction. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62871/what-is-cryo-electron-microscopy/
3. Cryo-EM Sample Prep: 5 Crucial Considerations, Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/62619/cryo-em-sample-prep/
4. Electron Microscopy Data Bank. Available at: https://www.ebi.ac.uk/emdb/

#2 — Micropipettes are the bread and butter instrument of a lab, helping you to accurately dispense minute amounts of liquid. But these tools are only trustworthy if they are well maintained and handled appropriately. Listen to the latest episode of Mentors At Your Benchside to uncover top tips for precise pipetting.

Want to know more about correct pipetting technique? Access the original article on 17 Ways to Avoid Pipetting Errors, download the Gilson Guide to Pipetting, and read the Nature article showing the effect of sample temperature on pipetting volume. [1, 2, 3]

Resources:
1. 17 Ways to Stop Pipetting Errors From Ruining Your Experiments. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/344/17-ways-to-stop-pipetting-errors-ruining-your-experiments/
2. Gilson Guide to Pipetting. Available at: https://gb.gilson.com/GBSV/guide-to-pipetting
3. Millet, F., Barthlen, T. Securing accuracy and precision when pipetting hot and cold liquids with Microman®. Nat Methods 4, iii–iv (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmeth1086

#1 — Is it worth doing a PhD? This is a question that probably plagues every research student at some point in their career.

In this episode, we explore 5 important questions you should consider before embarking on a PhD.

Read the full article for more advice before making the difficult decision to pursue a PhD after getting your Master’s degree. [1]

If you are looking for further advice, make sure you check out our article with pointers for PhD students. [2] A good PhD supervisor is worth their weight in gold and finding a good mentor should be a priority. [3] And, if you’re sure that a PhD is the right move for you, then search for PhDs in Biological and Medical Sciences to find the right PhD to suit you. [4] Finally, read our handy article that lists some alternative career options for scientists. [5]

Resources:
1. Is it Worth Doing a PhD After a Master’s? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/11022/is-it-worth-doing-a-phd-after-a-masters/
2. 10 Do’s and Don’ts for PhD Students. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/articles/10-dos-and-donts-for-phd-students/
3. Picking an Advisor: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/articles/picking-an-advisor-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
4. Find a PhD. Available at: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/biological-and-medical-sciences/?10gc00
5. Alternative Careers For Scientists. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/301/alternative-careers-for-scientists/