Despite the growing number of new technologies and automated instruments, routine liquid handling is still a manual process in many labs. The trend towards automation is gaining importance, not only with complex applications, such as NGS library preparation but also with simple yet repetitive liquid handling steps where automated pipetting makes sense.

A variety of automated liquid handling systems—suiting all budgets and workloads—are now available. These systems are designed to improve consistency and efficiency by eliminating both person-to-person and day-to-day variability.

But how to get started with automation? When does it make sense to automate workflows and methods, and isn't it super complicated to implement an automated liquid handler in a lab?

Get answers to these questions in this episode of Listen In!

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/automate-your-pipetting-unleash/join

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

Inspired by mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, Prof. Dr. Silvia Cappello’s group at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich aims to understand the role of extracellular mechanisms essential for the correct development of the human brain.

Their research focuses on intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms contributing to the formation of the brain by examining mutations in genes influencing cell-cell contacts, the extracellular matrix, and the secretion of vesicles.

In this episode of Listen In, Silvia presents the latest research that makes an important contribution to our understanding of cell non-autonomous mechanisms in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.

She also explains how imaging workflows, using the Mica Imaging Microhub alongside confocal and super-resolution systems, support the group’s research.

Watch the full presentation here: https://microscopyfocus.com/cellular-crosstalk-in-neurodevelopmental-disorders/

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

In this episode of Listen In, master your PCR set-up for unparalleled results.

Check out this enlightening discussion of the crucial factors that influence the outcome of PCR experiments and discover the parameters you can optimize for better and more consistent PCR results.

You will get reliable advice directly from PCR experts at Eppendorf on key topics, including the core features of thermal cyclers and the importance of good pipetting techniques to minimize evaporation.

This episode also features helpful insights into ideal reaction set-up, primer design, template DNA selection, and PCR optimization.

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/end-point-pcr-set-up-and/join

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

Improving open science and research reproducibility is both a technical and a social challenge.

But how do we do it?

One way is to design, conduct, and report research that can maximize the impact of our individual and collective investment in research.

Plus, changing the research culture to prioritize 'getting it right' over 'getting it published' promotes transparency and reproducibility without losing the engine of innovation and discovery that drives scientific inquiry.

In this episode of Listen In, get an overview of the fundamental challenges that reduce the credibility and reproducibility of research, how open science practices address these challenges, how you can incorporate them into your research, and how you can help promote a change in the research culture.

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/approaches-for-more-transparent/join

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

For many researchers, modern science has become about getting results rather than asking questions. Results mean publications, and publications mean more funding.

However, results are not the objective of the scientific method, which involves proposing an answer to a question, designing experiments to determine whether the proposed answer is true or false, and objectively interpreting the results.

This episode of Listen In explores the definition of the scientific method and how to apply it to your research.

Get a handle on the scientific method with a clear definition, and learn how to apply it to your research using real-life examples of the scientific method in action.

You will come away from this tutorial with increased confidence in the rigor of your research and the fundamental knowledge to design scientifically sound experiments.

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/confirmation-bias-and-the-1/join

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

For many researchers, modern science has become about getting results rather than asking questions. Results mean publications, and publications mean more funding.

However, results are not the objective of the scientific method, which involves proposing an answer to a question, designing experiments to determine whether the proposed answer is true or false, and objectively interpreting the results.

Nonetheless, the results-focused attitude to doing science is widespread, and it comes with a huge drawback—it encourages confirmation bias—making us prone to searching for evidence and interpreting findings to support proposed answers we believe to be true.

This episode of Listen In explores what confirmation bias is and how to avoid it.

Learn why confirmation bias is so common, how it creeps into our thinking, and how it degrades the quality of our experimental designs and findings.

You will come away from this tutorial with the tools needed to defend against confirmation bias, challenge what you believe, and reorient yourself from a results-focused outlook to a method-focused one.

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/confirmation-bias-and-the/

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

Volume electron microscopy or volume EM (vEM) was named one of Nature's Technologies to Watch in 2023. The new Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio PFIB integrates advanced cryo-TEM lamella preparation to volume EM workflows.

In this episode of Listen In, see how the new Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma-Focused Ion Beam (PFIB) extends cryo technology to volume EM and enables the acquisition of high-resolution 3D data through automated serial milling and imaging of frozen-hydrated specimens.

Cryo Auto Slice & View enables the acquisition of high-resolution 3D data through automated serial milling and imaging for striking new insights into a range of frozen-hydrated specimens prepared by high-pressure freezing or plunge freezing.

The choice of four different plasma ion species offers advantages for imaging cryo- and resin-embedded samples. The Hydra Bio also features the Spin Mill Bio Method, an exclusive technique for large-area planar milling that yields similar-sized imaging areas as microtome slicing. Plus, see how Hydra Bio PFIB combines field-proven and new techniques to enable cryo and room temperature applications.

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/cryo-tomography-to-volume-em/room

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/

In this episode of Listen In, see how emerging and global challenges of conducting ethical animal research have led to the 12Rs Framework to guide humane experimental techniques in animal studies and other research areas.

The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, the 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction), have been the mainstay of humane research involving animals for over fifty years.

However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that to enable high-quality ethical and humane science involving animals, other ethical constructs and issues, for example, research culture, reproducibility, reliability, and responsibility, must also be considered.

The 12Rs Framework brings these different constructs together in a single visual framework. Furthermore, it applies to all areas of scientific research, not just research involving animals.

Watch the full presentation here: https://events.bitesizebio.com/the-12rs-framework-enabling/join

Browse all episodes of the Listen In Series here: https://listen-in.bitesizebio.com/