#dna extraction kit

[pathologylab]

Unlock the potential of your plant research with #G2M's SpiNXT and MagNXT Plant #DNA Extraction #kits. Tailored for purifying high-quality total DNA from a variety of fresh #plant samples, including Chickpea, Wheat, Soya bean, Marigold leaves, Rice, Chickpea green seed, stems, and Tulsi leaves. Our kits are available in two extraction technique formats - silica membrane based or #magnetic bead based, each designed to ensure high quality nucleic acid #purification suitable for various downstream applications.

Elevate your plant genetics studies with precision and efficiency.

Visit our website for more information: https://genes2me.com/plant-dna-purification-kit

For more details, Call us at +91-8800821778 or drop us an email at social@genes2me.com

#PlantDNA #ExtractionKit #Research #Genetics #genes2me #extraction #beadbased #rtpcr #ivd #pcr #based #testing #spincolumn #samples

[gene-synthesis-company]

How to Purchase the Right DNA Extraction Kit?

Are you searching for the right DNA extraction kit for your needs? If yes, you need to consider many crucial factors as the quality of the kit is what is going to make the difference in genetic studies. With numerous kits available out there, you might get confused to find the right one. 

In this article, you will discover the top three key factors that you should consider when purchasing a DNA extraction kit. 

Determine Your Needs :

First, you need to assess your needs and the nature of your research. Consider the type of industry you are working in. For example, if you are a pathologist you have to pick a high-quality DNA extraction kit for taking various samples such as blood, tissue or saliva. Again, if you are looking for downstream applications such as PCR or DNA sequencing you need to buy a specific type of kit. So, consider these factors and then choose the right one. 

Evaluate Kit Performance :

Next, you should opt for those extraction kits that are highly reliable. Ask the providers about factors such as DBA yield, integrity, purity and ease of application. On top of that, you can also check reviews of previous buyers and thoroughly check the labelling of the kits to understand their reliability. 

Consider the Cost :

The price of the DNA extraction kit varies depending on several factors. Cost is an important factor to consider here but you should not compromise on the quality. Look for those kits that have been developed using a high-filtration process so that you can get the desired result. Additionally, consider the long-term benefits such as time-saving and reliable results when evaluating the overall value. 

Conclusion -

Hopefully, you have understood the various factors that you need to keep in mind when purchasing an extraction kit for your DNA research. To ensure you are buying the right product, you should contact a reputed biotechnology company as they are known for offering affordable DNA extraction kits while maintaining product quality. In addition, they will also offer technical support and warranties to ensure peace of mind for their customers.

[thomasjanson]

Bio-technical research and development are highly important to promise an assured future and health solutions. As a bio-technician or a lab assistant, you must take account of the components you obtain in downstream processing because they affect industrial applications of the same. Continue Reading>>

[blogpublication]

High Molecular Weight DNA Isolation: Why MagBio's Magnetic Beads are the Ultimate Ampure XP Alternative

High molecular weight (HMW) DNA isolation is a critical process in modern genomics research, especially for applications like next-generation sequencing (NGS), long-read sequencing, and genome assembly. Scientists rely on high-quality, intact DNA to ensure accurate results and reproducibility. In the quest for precision, researchers often turn to magnetic bead-based reagents for PCR clean-up and size selection to achieve superior results.

While the Ampure XP system has long been considered the gold standard for DNA purification and clean-up, MagBio’s HighPrep PCR magnetic beads have emerged as a powerful and efficient Ampure XP alternative. Designed specifically for PCR clean-up and size selection, HighPrep PCR offers significant advantages, especially for High Molecular Weight DNA Isolation, making it the go-to solution for many researchers looking to optimize their workflows.

High Molecular Weight DNA Matters

Before diving into the benefits of MagBio’s HighPrep PCR, it's important to understand why high molecular weight DNA isolation is so essential. HMW DNA refers to DNA fragments that are longer and more intact than standard DNA fragments. These long fragments are especially important in applications such as long-read sequencing, structural variant analysis, and genome assembly, where large DNA molecules provide a clearer picture of genetic architecture.

Accurate High Molecular Weight DNA Isolation ensures that DNA is not fragmented or degraded during extraction and purification. Longer DNA fragments lead to better sequencing results, more comprehensive genome coverage, and a deeper understanding of genetic complexity. To achieve these results, researchers require reliable purification systems that preserve DNA integrity and enable efficient downstream analysis.

Drawbacks of Ampure XP

While Ampure XP has served as the gold standard for PCR clean-up and DNA purification, it is not without its limitations. One of the major drawbacks is that the Ampure XP system can sometimes lead to loss of HMW DNA fragments during size selection, especially for applications where precise selection of long DNA fragments is necessary. Additionally, Ampure XP requires precise buffer-to-sample ratios to achieve optimal performance, which can complicate workflows and introduce variability.

In an era where speed and efficiency are crucial, many labs are also looking for more automation-friendly solutions that integrate smoothly with liquid handling systems. Ampure XP’s protocol can be cumbersome for high-throughput applications, making it less ideal for labs that require quick turnaround times and scalable workflows.

HighPrep PCR: The Superior Ampure XP Alternative

MagBio’s HighPrep PCR offers a powerful solution to the limitations of Ampure XP, providing superior PCR clean-up and size selection for both standard and high molecular weight DNA. This paramagnetic bead-based reagent is specifically designed for efficient DNA purification, ensuring high recovery rates and consistent fragment size selection, making it ideal for applications like NGS, cloning, and PCR clean-up.

High Recovery of Amplicons >100 bp

One of the key benefits of HighPrep PCR is its ability to achieve high recovery rates of DNA fragments, especially those greater than 100 base pairs. This feature makes it particularly useful for isolating longer DNA fragments, which is essential for applications such as long-read sequencing and HMW DNA isolation. Unlike other reagents, which may lose significant amounts of long DNA fragments, HighPrep PCR ensures maximum recovery, preserving the integrity of your DNA samples.

Efficient Size Selection for High Molecular Weight DNA

Size selection is a critical step in DNA library preparation for sequencing. HighPrep PCR’s magnetic bead-based system allows for precise and uniform size selection, ensuring that only the desired DNA fragments are retained for downstream applications. This is especially important for High Molecular Weight DNA Isolation, where preserving longer DNA fragments is key to successful sequencing.

HighPrep PCR selectively binds to DNA fragments based on the concentration of beads used in the reaction. This flexibility allows researchers to fine-tune their size selection to meet specific experimental needs, whether they are working with fragmented DNA, amplicons, or genomic DNA.

No Centrifugation Required

Traditional DNA purification methods often require time-consuming centrifugation steps, which can be prone to error and introduce variability into workflows. HighPrep PCR eliminates the need for centrifugation by using magnetic beads to bind and isolate DNA fragments. This not only streamlines the process but also reduces the risk of sample loss or contamination. For labs looking to increase throughput and efficiency, this is a major advantage.

Automation-Friendly Design

As more labs move toward high-throughput automation, having a PCR clean-up reagent that integrates seamlessly with liquid handling systems is essential. HighPrep PCR is designed with this in mind, offering compatibility with most liquid handling stations. This makes it an excellent choice for labs that need to scale up their operations without sacrificing precision or reproducibility.

Automation-friendly reagents like HighPrep PCR help reduce human error, save time, and allow for more consistent results. In contrast, Ampure XP may not always offer the same level of integration with liquid handling systems, making it less suited for high-throughput applications.

Consistent Fragment Size Distribution

Achieving uniform and consistent DNA fragment sizes is essential for reliable results, especially in applications like NGS. HighPrep PCR ensures that DNA fragments are consistently sized, leading to better library quality and more accurate sequencing data. This is particularly beneficial for researchers working with complex or degraded samples, where maintaining consistency across replicates is crucial.

Flexible DNA Input Range

HighPrep PCR is highly versatile and can accommodate a wide range of DNA input concentrations, from 0.5 ng/µL to 150 ng/µL. This flexibility makes it suitable for various sample types, including HMW DNA, fragmented DNA, PCR amplicons, and genomic DNA. Whether you’re working with low-concentration samples or need to scale up for large projects, HighPrep PCR offers the adaptability needed to ensure successful DNA purification and size selection.

Rapid and Reliable Results

In a fast-paced research environment, speed is critical. HighPrep PCR offers a rapid protocol that can be completed in under 65 minutes, allowing researchers to move quickly from PCR clean-up to downstream applications. This saves valuable time without compromising on the quality or reliability of the results.

Applications of HighPrep PCR

MagBio’s HighPrep PCR is designed to meet the needs of researchers across a wide range of applications, including:

NGS Library Preparation: HighPrep PCR ensures that DNA libraries are free from contaminants and have consistent fragment sizes, leading to higher-quality sequencing data.

PCR Clean-Up: Remove unwanted primers, dNTPs, and salts after PCR to obtain pure DNA for downstream analysis.

DNA Size Selection: Achieve precise and uniform size selection for long-read sequencing or other applications requiring HMW DNA.

Cloning: Ensure that only the desired DNA fragments are retained for cloning applications.

Microarrays and Restriction Enzyme Digestions: Purify and size-select DNA for use in microarray and restriction digestion workflows.

When it comes to PCR clean-up and size selection for High Molecular Weight DNA Isolation, MagBio’s HighPrep PCR stands out as the ultimate Ampure XP alternative. Its ability to recover long DNA fragments, perform efficient size selection, and integrate with high-throughput automation makes it the preferred choice for labs looking to optimize their DNA purification workflows. By switching to HighPrep PCR, researchers can achieve better results, faster processing times, and more consistent data—all while preserving the integrity of their valuable DNA samples. If you are looking for Magnetic beads for PCR Clean Up and Size Selection, High Molecular Weight DNA Isolation, or Ampure XP alternative, check out MagBio Genomics, Inc..

[creative-news-alert]

DNA Extraction Kits Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Increasing Demand for Nucleic Acid-Based Molecular Tests

DNA extraction kits are essential tools used to isolate and purify DNA from a variety of biological samples in life science research and clinical diagnostics. DNA extraction kits can purify DNA from peripheral blood, tissue, cells, plasma, serum, saliva, stool, and other biological samples. Purified DNA is then utilized in various downstream applications including PCR, DNA sequencing, molecular testing, and synthetic biology. Common uses of DNA extraction kits in clinical applications include cancer diagnostics, forensic testing, prenatal testing, infectious disease testing, genetic testing, and personalized medicine. The global DNA extraction kits market is estimated to be valued at US$1.2 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period 2023-2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Dynamics Increasing demand for nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostic tests is expected to drive growth of the DNA extraction kits market size over the forecast period. Molecular diagnostic testing is gaining immense popularity over traditional diagnostics due to its accuracy, high sensitivity, and specificity. Growing prevalence of cancer and infectious diseases is propelling demand for rapid and accurate molecular testing which require purified DNA obtained from extraction kits. According to WHO, cancer burden is expected to grow to 27.5 million new cancer cases and 16.3 million cancer deaths by 2040. Technological advancements in extraction methods allowing purification of DNA even from complex biological samples is another factor fueling the DNA extraction kits market growth. Automated liquid handling workstations integrated with magnetic bead-based DNA extraction techniques have simplified workflow and increased throughput of purification process. SWOT Analysis Strength: DNA extraction kits provide an easy and efficient way to isolate and purify DNA from various biological samples like blood, saliva, and tissues. These kits use optimized procedures and reagents to reliably extract high yields of pure DNA. They minimize hands-on time and produce consistent results. Some kits are automated and high-throughput, allowing labs to extract DNA from large numbers of samples simultaneously in an easy and standardized manner. Weakness: DNA extraction kits rely on consumables like columns, plates and reagents that need regular replenishment, increasing long-term costs. Additionally, automation requires larger initial investments. The quality of extracted DNA can vary between kits depending on their purification chemistry and protocols. Opportunity: Growth in genomic researchareas like precision medicine, cancer research and genetic testing is driving increased demand for DNA extraction. Rising focus on pharmacogenomics and companion diagnostics also presents commercialization opportunities. Point-of-care extraction devices and portable battery-operated systems allow decentralized testing and expand the addressable market. Threats: Competition from in-house extraction methods developed by research institutes poses a challenge. Stringent regulatory approvals for diagnostic-grade kits increase barriers. Intellectual property disputes between manufacturers also affect commercialization strategies. Key Takeaways The global DNA extraction kits market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period driven by increasing genomics funding and expanding application areas.

The market is dominated by North America currently due to extensive R&D spending and presence of leading life science companies. Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest growing regional market due to growing genomics research in countries like China and India as well as increasing healthcare investments. Key players operating in the DNA extraction kits market are Qiagen N.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Merck KGaA, Agilent Technologies, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Illumina, Inc., Promega Corporation, LGC Ltd., and Takara Bio, Inc. Companies are focused on portfolio expansion through new product launches. For example, in 2021 Thermo Fisher launched the MagMAX Cellular RNA Isolation Kit designed for high-throughput extraction of total RNA from cultured cells.

Get more insights on this topic: https://www.newswirestats.com/dna-extraction-kits-market-size-and-outlook/ Explore more information, Please visit:https://masstamilan.in/savoring-life-the-essential-role-and-health-benefits-of-spices-in-everyday-cuisine/

[egg-king]

i have physical access to literally everything i need to sequence my own DNA and I have to restrain myself every day

[mpbiomedicals]

Step-by-step guide for effective genomic DNA purification using SPINeasy DNA extraction kit:

Genomic DNA purification is a vital step in various scientific applications. Purifying genomic DNA essentially means isolating it from other cellular components and contaminants for downstream applications. There are many methods of genomic DNA purification, such as Phenol-Chloroform Extraction, Magnetic Bead-Based Technique and Spin Column-Based Kits.

In this blog, we will explore the most effective method of genomic DNA purification: the SPINeasy® DNA extraction kits.

The SPINeasy® DNA purification kit is designed specifically for rapid and efficient genomic DNA purification from various samples. Here is a general protocol for purifying DNA using MP Biomedicals’ SPINeasy® DNA purification kits and instruments.

Cell lysis: Cell Lysis is the process of splitting the cell open. A chemical or mechanical method disrupts the membrane of the cell and releases the cellular contents, including the genomic DNA, in a hypotonic solution (e.g., diluted sucrose solution).

During chemical cell lysis, some common chemicals including organic solvents (alcohols, ethers), chelating agents, detergents and chaotropic agents (urea, guanidine) are used.

Transfer to Spin Column: The lysate which is mixed with the binding solution, is then transferred to a spin column. Spin columns are small tubes containing a silica-gel membrane that selectively binds to nucleic acids. The binding solution contains a mixture of buffer and ethanol/isopropanol. This solution is designed to create conditions where nucleic acids bind to a silica-gel membrane. The buffer maintains the optimal pH and salt concentration for nucleic acid to bind onto the silica membrane.

Centrifugation: The spin column is placed in a centrifuge. When the centrifuge is activated, it generates a centrifugal force that drives the binding solution through the silica-gel membrane. As the solution passes through the membrane, nucleic acids bind to the silica while other contaminants are washed away.

Washing: Additional washing steps are often performed to remove impurities after the initial centrifugation step. These wash steps involve the addition of specific wash buffers onto the spin column, followed by centrifugation. The wash buffers help to remove salts, proteins, and other contaminants, leaving only nucleic acids bound to the silica membrane.

Elution: Finally, purified nucleic acids are eluted from the silica membrane using low-salt buffer or water. Elution disrupts the binding between nucleic acids and the silica, allowing the purified nucleic acids to be collected in a separate tube.

At MP Biomedicals, M.P. Biomedical provides different kinds of SPINeasy® DNA purification kits to suit any of your sample types. Explore the wide range of Spin Column-based Extraction Kits by MP Biomedicals.

[myblogscmi]

Global DNA Extraction Kits Market is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Growing Demand for Genomic Research

The global DNA extraction kits market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1,389.7 Mn in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period 2022-2028, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Overview: DNA extraction kits are essential tools used in molecular biology research and diagnostics to isolate and purify DNA from various sources such as blood, saliva, tissues, and cells. These kits offer several advantages, including simplicity, efficiency, and high yield of DNA extraction. The need for DNA extraction kits arises from the growing demand for genomic research in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and forensic sciences. B) Market Key Trends: One key trend driving the growth of the DNA Extraction Kits Market is the increasing adoption of personalized medicine. Personalized medicine aims to tailor medical treatments to individual patients by considering their genetic makeup. This requires extensive genomic research and DNA extraction to identify specific genetic variations that may influence disease susceptibility and treatment response. For example, the use of DNA extraction kits enables the identification of specific genetic mutations in cancer patients, allowing for targeted therapies. PEST Analysis: - Political: Governments worldwide are increasingly investing in genomic research initiatives and healthcare infrastructure, which positively impacts the demand for DNA extraction kits. - Economic: The growing prevalence of genetic disorders worldwide drives the demand for DNA extraction kits for diagnosis and research purposes. - Social: Rising awareness about precision medicine and the potential benefits of genomic research among patients and healthcare professionals contributes to the market growth. - Technological: Advancements in DNA sequencing technologies and automated extraction systems enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of DNA extraction processes. Key Takeaways: Paragraph 1: The global DNA Extraction Kits Market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for genomic research and personalized medicine. For example, the identification of genetic variants associated with diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders fuels the adoption of DNA extraction kits. Paragraph 2: North America is anticipated to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the DNA extraction kits market. This can be attributed to the presence of well-established research infrastructure, favorable government initiatives, and a high prevalence of genetic disorders in the region. Additionally, Asia Pacific is expected to experience significant market growth due to the increasing focus on precision medicine and genetic research. Paragraph 3: Key players operating in the global DNA extraction kits market include Thermo Fisher Scientific, QIAGEN, PROMEGA, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and Agilent Technologies. These companies are actively involved in product development, strategic collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their product portfolio. In conclusion, the global DNA extraction kits market is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing demand for genomic research and personalized medicine. The adoption of DNA extraction kits enables researchers and healthcare professionals to identify genetic variations that influence disease susceptibility and treatment response. North America is slated to dominate the market, while key players continue to innovate and expand their product offerings.

[delicatemagazinedreamer]

DNA Extraction Kits Market Updates, Demand Analysis, And Expected Growth Forecast 2022-2028

The DNA Extraction Kits Market is witnessing significant updates and shifts, driven by the escalating demand for genetic research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. These kits serve as essential tools for isolating DNA from diverse biological samples, facilitating a wide range of applications in various industries. A comprehensive demand analysis coupled with an expected growth forecast for the years 2022 to 2028 provides insights into the market's evolving landscape.

Market Updates: The DNA extraction kits for market has experienced notable updates as a result of ongoing advancements in technology, research methodologies, and healthcare needs. Manufacturers are consistently innovating to enhance the efficiency, yield, and ease of use of their kits. This innovation is leading to the development of kits that can process challenging samples with higher levels of impurities, further expanding the applications of DNA extraction across various fields.

Automation is another key update shaping the market. Automated DNA extraction systems are gaining traction due to their ability to handle larger sample volumes and reduce the potential for human error. These systems are becoming essential in high-throughput laboratories and diagnostic settings where efficiency and reproducibility are paramount.

Furthermore, the market is witnessing a trend towards user-friendly kits that require minimal manual intervention and are suitable for researchers with varying levels of expertise. This trend is empowering researchers and clinicians to perform DNA extraction with confidence, irrespective of their experience level.

Demand Analysis: The demand for DNA Extraction Kits Market is driven by the increasing significance of genetics in healthcare, agriculture, forensic sciences, and biotechnology. Genetic research is uncovering insights into the molecular basis of diseases, enabling the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic tools. In personalized medicine, DNA extraction lays the foundation for tailoring treatment plans according to an individual's genetic makeup, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing adverse effects.

Agriculture is another sector where DNA extraction kits find substantial demand. These kits facilitate the extraction of genetic material from plants and animals, contributing to crop improvement, disease resistance, and selective breeding.

The forensic and criminal justice sectors rely on DNA extraction for accurate identification and evidence analysis. As these sectors adopt more advanced DNA analysis techniques, the demand for high-quality DNA extraction kits is projected to rise.

Expected Growth Forecast 2022-2028: Looking ahead, the DNA Extraction Kits Market is poised for robust growth from 2022 to 2028. The expected expansion is driven by several factors. Firstly, the increasing prevalence of genetic disorders and diseases is pushing the demand for accurate and efficient DNA extraction methods. This demand is further propelled by the rising awareness of the potential of genetics in personalized medicine and disease prevention.

Advancements in technology are expected to result in kits with improved performance characteristics. Faster processing times, higher yields, and compatibility with a broader range of sample types are anticipated, further attracting users from research, diagnostics, and industrial sectors.

The trend towards automation is likely to continue, with automated DNA extraction systems becoming integral to laboratories and diagnostic facilities. This trend will enhance efficiency, reduce processing times, and enable the analysis of larger sample volumes.

Geographically, the DNA extraction kits for market is projected to witness growth in emerging economies as they invest in research infrastructure and healthcare systems. This expansion presents manufacturers with opportunities to enter new markets and cater to the growing demand for advanced genetic analysis tools.

The DNA Extraction Kits Market is undergoing updates and shifts that reflect the evolving needs of genetic research, diagnostics, and various industries. With a strong demand driven by the growing significance of genetics, the market's expected growth forecast for 2022 to 2028 indicates a promising trajectory. The continuous innovation in technology, user-friendly designs, and automation are set to further bolster the market's expansion, making DNA extraction kits indispensable tools in advancing scientific knowledge and healthcare outcomes.

[pathologylab]

Magnetic bead-based separation technology is the foundation of the Rapi-X16 Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System. By utilizing 96-deep well plates and numerous reagents, clinical samples, including blood, tissue, viruses, and cells, may all be purified. It keeps temperatures consistent thanks to the precise controls. In order to purify high-quality nucleic acid, the device absorbs, transfers, and releases magnetic beads using specific magnetic rods.

[gene-synthesis-company]

DNA Extraction Kit: Discovering More about It

Looking to generate high-quality DNA extraction kits for any downstream application including PCR and Next-Gen Sequencing? With the advent of new purification technologies, the process has been much easier. Now, advanced purification methods are more convenient for small input amounts of nucleic acids of low elution volumes, enzyme reactions, and purifying DNA and RNA from gels and diluted or impure samples. However, with an abundance of options available around, sometimes it is critical to navigate and make the best choice.

Selecting the Right Purification Kit -

The key principles that are important to consider are:

Contaminants

Nucleic acid type

Fragment size

These three principles primarily dictate the choice of a suitable kit. Salt and protein contamination can be common in any sample. Purification kits are the best if you are seeking to remove any unwanted salts, proteins, unincorporated fluorescence or dyes, phenol and nucleotides.

Apparently, the OneStep PCR Inhibitor Removal Kits eliminate common contaminants in environmental samples that inhibit downstream applications. You can witness a number of categories for nucleic acid purification and their optimal applications for double-stranded and single-stranded DNA and RNA. 

Bio Basic : The Reliable Stop to Find the Right DNA Purification Kit -

Are you looking for a high-performing kit that can maximize the experimental outcome with greater savings costs? Reach out to their official page to filter out the products that you actually require. Are you skeptical about the listed products? Do not worry. You can try a free sample anytime you wish and witness the authenticity of their in-house manufactured products. Contact them now to get professional assistance.

[industryupdate]

North America is Dominating DNA Extraction Kit Industry

In 2021, the DNA extraction kit market was worth around USD 1,354.4 million, and it is projected to advance at an 8.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2030, hitting USD 2,818.2 million by 2030, according to P&S Intelligence. This development can be credited to the increasing research happenings along with technological improvements in forensic sciences and health care amenities, and the growing expenditure in…

[why-animals-do-the-thing]

Do you have a snoot noodle or other variation of sighthound? If yes, there’s new heart health research for the breed happening!

A researcher at Texas A&M whose work I’m familiar with is starting a new study looking at genetic factors contributing to heart disease in Borzoi and related breeds. They just put out a call for dog owners who are willing to submit saliva samples & (noodle) medical records. Studies like this need a big sample size! They’re accepting new sign-ups starting now until March 1, 2025, for dogs both in the US and internationally.

Let’s help make some science!

From the study page:

“Background and purpose

Recent research in Borzoi dogs has revealed that dogs of this breed experience sudden, unexplained death. About 85% of sudden, unexplained deaths in humans are linked to an underlying heart disease. Our existing research in Borzoi dogs has shown that they are predisposed to developing arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle disease causing dilated heart chambers and weak pumping function).

Due to our documentation of the frequency of these conditions in Borzoi dogs, we seek to identify responsible genetic variations similar to what is seen in humans with electrical cardiac diseases that trigger arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy.

The objective of our study is to identify genetic mutations associated with heart disease in Borzoi dogs and document their existence in other sighthound breeds.

What happens in this study

We are collecting saliva samples from both healthy Borzoi and Borzoi dogs affected with arrhythmias and/or dilated cardiomyopathy. We will also collect saliva samples from any other sighthound breeds.

We will extract DNA from these samples and perform genomic sequencing on a select number while retaining the remainder for further screening.By analyzing the sequencing data, we can compare the genes of healthy and affected Borzoi dogs and identify variants linked to their heart conditions. We will also compare the findings in Borzoi dogs to results from other sighthound breeds.

Pet owner responsibilities

A swab kit will be sent to you for at home use along with a link to an instructional video on how to properly obtain a swab of the mouth. The kit will contain equipment to collect the saliva swab, a history form for your pet, a client consent form and a shipping label to return samples to us.

Participation requirements

To participate, you must have a Borzoi dog or a sighthound breed that is either healthy or affected by arrhythmias and/or dilated cardiomyopathy. Pets may be any age or sex. Electronic or paper veterinary medical records will need to be provided.

Benefits and risks of participating

There is little to no risk for taking a brief swab of the mouth for saliva collection if procedures outlined in the video are followed. No individual genetic test results will be provided to study participants.

Compensation

There is no cost to the owner for participating in this study. No compensation will be provided.”

[consult-sherlockholmes]

Hello, Mr. Holmes! How are you?

So, long story short, I ended up with an optical microscope in my room more or less 4 months ago, with 200 previously made slides (secured in a proper box), and lots of new ones too, for me to prepare myself. I love microbiology (it's one of my hyperfixations, curse my neurodivergency) and now I love it even more (my mother has had to drag me away from the microscope - I named it Wesley - in the middle of the night multiple times now).

After much conversation, I finally convinced my mom to buy me the proper equipment to prepare the slides!

So, I'm sending this ask to you, as I know you also have a microscope and that you use it a lot: what kind of equipment do you recommend me buying (gloves, scalpel blades, tints, etc), while still remembering that all of the stuff needs to stay in my room (properly taken cared of by me, of course)?

For example, I'm unsure if different dyes are used for different smears and specimens due to it's affinity (I've noticed that on 'organic matter' slides, images are usually tinted purple or pink, while on plant-based slides, images are usually tinted green and blue, with a few red structures.) Considering that I don't have access to a mortuary, I will mostly make plant slides. There must be a difference in the dyes then, right?

Sorry for the long text! Hope this isn't too much of a bother.

- a 17-year-old :)

Congratulations on your new light microscope. I do hope you get the best out of it. I am overjoyed that someone else appreciates the art of microscopy and microbiology.

However, you need to be careful to not strain your eyes. It is recommended to take breaks every 15 minutes to close your eyes or focus on something in the distance to reaccommodate your eyes. And get up every 40 minutes, stretch and correct your posture. And it is recommended to not use a microscope more than 5 hours per day. John has to chase me away from my microscope sometimes to take a break when I sit there for hours, my posture like a Caridea.

Concerning equipment, you will obviously need a scalpel or other sharp blade to make very thin slices of your specimen, as thin as possible. And forceps to move your samples (best just get a whole dissection kit it has everything). Obviously slides and coverslips, pipettes for the stains or water, maybe some tubes. A pen to label your slides. In many staining procedures ethanol or acetone is also used. A waste jar to safely dispose of any chemicals, but be careful what you mix. A rack for staining and containers. I would recommend nitrile gloves, some people are sensitive to latex.

The dyes you use depend on the specimen. For example in histological slides of tissues hematoxylin and eosin are most commonly used (short HE-stain). That's what you most likely saw on your slides, it's blue, purple and pink. Hematoxylin is a basic compound extracted and oxidised from the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum), and it stains acidic compounds in the cells (or basophilic because they have an affinity for basic substances). For example nucleic acids like DNA or RNA get stained by hematoxylin because they are basophillic. And where are lots of nucleic acids? In the nucleus and ribosomes, that is why they appear blue to purple in the staining because they bind hematoxylin. Eosin is an acidic compound, and stains basic or acidophilic compounds red or pinkish, like proteins, collagen, cytoplasm, extracellular matrix.

(Ductus epididymidis with HE-stain)

(Tongue HE-stain, pointer marking a ganglion; that is my picture)

Of course there are more specific stains for specific tissues like Golgi's silver staining for neurons.

For plants toluidine blue is often used, high affinity for acidic tissues, and can stain blue to green to purple. It is often combined with safranin, a basic azine, which is probably the red stain you saw. It stains polysaccharides and lignin, woody parts of the plant. Safranin and astrablue is also often combined, astrablue stains non-lignified parts of the plant.

(Ulex europaeus stem; not my pictures I don't have any samples currently, source Atlas of plant and animal histology)

Safranin is also used in bacteriology, in the famous Gram staining. In Gram staining you use crystal violet (blue/purple), Lugol's iodine solution, then wash it with ethanol and add safranin (red) as a counter stain. Bacteria is gram-positive if the crystal violet stays in their thick murein cell wall, can't be washed out with the ethanol and the bacteria stays blue. Gram-negative appear red because of the counterstain.

(Staphyloccocus aureus (violet, gram positive) & Escherichia coli (red, gram negative); not my picture, source Wikipedia)

However, I am not sure whether you have access to any of those substances, if they are too expensive for you or if they are too hazardous if used in your own room for a prolongued time. Of course those substances need to be stored properly, and your own room is probably not a good place, especially for ethanol or acetone. The fumes. I would recommend to ask your biology or chemistry teacher whether they can recommend anything further and where to buy said solutions in your area, and if they can't they are idiots. There are also many useful resources and tutorials on Youtube.

Another fascinating experiment for your microscope, that you can perform without buying any chemicals, is a hay infusion. You put hay into a container filled with water, and let it sit undisturbed for a week in a sunny area but not in direct harsh sunlight. During that time the microorganisms in the hay are reproducing in the solution, feeding on the polysaccharides of the hay. Protozoans also flourish in the hay infusion and eat the bacteria. It might get cloudy and a bit foul smelling (best not do it in your own room if you don't want to sleep next to a rotting smell). When you put a drop of the solution onto a slide and look at it in the microscope, you should see a variety of microorganisms like bacteria (like Bacillus subtilis), amoeba, ciliates, heliozoa, algae et cetera. At different depths of the liquid you should find different kinds of organisms, because of differing oxygen content. However, pathogens can also occur in the hay infusion so handle it carefully and work sterile, wash your hands properly.

And even if you don't work at a morgue you can still get tissue samples to experiment on, after all meat is sold in supermarkets, basically the same as a human body. And at the butchers they even sell organs like chicken hearts, pig kidney, liver, blood et cetera. Or observe your own hair under the microscope.

Which kind of samples and slides were included in your starter kit? Be careful to not leave them lying around in the sunlight, or the stain might fade. Always store them in the proper box.

[3cosmicfrogs]

i think it should be illegal to create a DNA extraction kit and label your solutions things like "C4", "AB-7" or "1 II II L" and then not tell anyone what those solutions actually are