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Molecular biology is more than a set of techniques. It is a toolkit for asking better questions. In this special crossover episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Steve Lewis welcomes Jordan Ruggieri, Senior Marketing Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific and co-host of the Absolute Gene-ius podcast. Jordan shares how Absolute Gene-ius began with a focus on digital PCR and evolved into a broader celebration of molecular genetics, genomics, and the scientists using diverse tools across multiple research areas. From endpoint PCR and qPCR to digital PCR, sequencing, sample prep, and downstream analysis, the conversation highlights how different technologies work together to help researchers move from sample to answer. Jordan also reflects on memorable podcast stories, including Antarctic microbial research, transplant science, lab mishaps, and the ways PCR-enabled discoveries can have real-world human impact. The episode also explores themes that run through many scientific careers: curiosity, grit, mentorship, failure, and openness to unexpected opportunities. Jordan shares his own path from aspiring dentist to R&D scientist, marketer, and podcast host, while offering early-career scientists practical advice: stay open, keep learning, and make time for hobbies and life outside the lab. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Some genetic variants may help explain why different psychiatric disorders share overlapping biology. In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, host Steve Lewis speaks with Jess McAfee, PhD, and Alejandro Gomez from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill about their work studying pleiotropic variants associated with psychiatric disorders. Jess explains how genome-wide association studies can identify regions of the genome linked to disease risk, but often cannot pinpoint which specific variants are functionally important. Her work used massively parallel reporter assays, or MPRAs, to test whether different alleles in non-coding regulatory regions alter gene expression. Alejandro then describes how CRISPRi can help take the next step by targeting those variants in the genome and asking which nearby genes respond. Together, these approaches provide a clearer path from statistical genetic association to functional biological insight. The episode also highlights two early-career scientists whose paths into molecular biology were anything but linear. Jess moved from plant genetics to human genomics, while Alejandro shifted from chemistry and industry into CRISPR-based neuroscience research. Along the way, they reflect on mentorship, lab culture, persistence, AI, and the excitement of working with technologies that are still rapidly evolving. NOTE: This episode may contain general information relating to various medical conditions or their treatment.  This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional.  Patients should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Great science doesn’t always translate into a scalable product, and that gap can stall even the most promising innovations. In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Steve Lewis explores a common challenge in biotech: moving from a validated assay or prototype to a commercially viable product. While scientific teams often achieve strong early results, scaling requires coordination across design, engineering, materials, and manufacturing, which typically involves multiple vendors. This fragmented process introduces delays, misalignment, and risk. The episode highlights how physical product design, especially for consumables like microfluidic cartridges or custom plastics, can ultimately determine whether a solution reaches the market. By integrating design, prototyping, and manufacturing under one roof, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Plastics Prototyping Services aim to streamline this transition. Early consideration of materials, manufacturability, and reagent compatibility enables faster iteration and more efficient scale-up, particularly for startups navigating growth stages. Ultimately, the message is clear: if your biology works but your product doesn’t scale, the problem is solvable. With the right integrated approach, innovation doesn’t have to stall, it can move efficiently from idea to impact. Helpful resources and links: Learn more about Thermo Fisher Plastics Prototyping Services Access information about reagents and raw materials for use in your product(s) Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Not all experiments are created equal, and neither are the decisions behind them. In this episode, Cam Cyr explores how scientists navigate the balance between cost and performance in molecular biology workflows. Drawing from his experience as a technical sales specialist, Cam breaks down what “performance” really means in practice, from enzyme fidelity and sensitivity to reproducibility and inhibitor tolerance. He highlights how these factors become critical in high-stakes applications like antibody engineering or single-cell analysis, where errors can propagate and compromise entire workflows. Through examples like reverse transcription enzymes and high-fidelity polymerases, Cam illustrates why premium products are often essential when working with rare samples or build-critical steps. At the same time, he explains where cost-saving approaches make sense where results are binary and easy to replicate, such as genotyping or routine screening. Ultimately, the conversation reframes how scientists should think about cost, not as price per reaction, but as cost per successful result. Along the way, Cam shares his career journey from bench science to a customer-facing role, offering perspective on the many paths available in life sciences and the importance of staying curious. Suggested Links:  View Thermo Fisher reverse transcription and PCR enzymes Learn more about Thermo Scientific™ EquiPhi29™ DNA Polymerase Explore careers at Thermo Fisher Scientific Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

HIV research is one of the clearest examples of molecular biology in action. In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Dr. Ryan Jeep walks through how fundamental molecular techniques power everything from detection to drug resistance studies to cure-focused research. Ryan begins with HIV biology and detection, explaining how qRT-PCR enables highly sensitive viral load measurement. These assays not only detection strategies but also support research to monitor treatment efficacy and viral rebound. From there, he moves into drug resistance, describing how sequencing, RT-PCR, and cloning strategies help researchers map resistance-associated mutations. By generating recombinant reporter viruses and measuring infectivity against different drugs, scientists can better understand treatment failure and move toward more personalized therapeutic strategies. Finally, Ryan explores cutting-edge cure research, including CRISPR-Cas9 approaches aimed at either disabling integrated viral genomes or engineering HIV-resistant immune cells. Across all three areas one theme remains constant: PCR, sequencing, and cloning form the technological backbone of HIV research. As these tools continue to evolve, so too does the potential to improve outcomes and one day eliminate the virus entirely. Since recording this episode, Ryan has joined KBI Biopharma as a Scientist l in their Formulation Development Group. Helpful resources and links: Access Stanford University’s HIV Drug Resistance Database. Visit International AIDS Society’s Towards an HIV Cure site, which includes resources.  Access Thermo Fisher PCR resources and products. Learn about RT-qPCR, which is relevant to HIV research.  Explore the cloning technologies referenced in this episode.  Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, host Steve Lewis speaks with Dr. Leif Larsen, Director of Biology at Vipergen, about the power of DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) in modern drug discovery. DEL technology enables researchers to screen extremely large chemical libraries by attaching a unique DNA barcode to each compound, allowing millions, or even hundreds of millions, of compounds to be analyzed simultaneously through sequencing.  Larsen explains how Vipergen’s platform flips traditional screening methods by storing massive compound libraries in a single tube and identifying binding interactions through DNA sequencing. He also describes their proprietary Binder Trap Enrichment (BTE) method, which links DNA barcodes when compounds successfully bind their protein targets. One of the company’s most innovative advances is performing DEL screening inside living Xenopus oocytes. By expressing target proteins in these large cells and microinjecting DNA-encoded libraries, researchers can evaluate binding events in a physiologically relevant environment. The discussion also explores how this technology accelerates early drug discovery timelines and enables screening of difficult targets such as transcription factors and membrane proteins. Larsen closes by highlighting emerging areas such as PROTAC-based targeted protein degradation and how DEL screening can help identify molecules suitable for these next-generation therapeutic strategies. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Mol Bio Minutes mini-episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Dr. Andrea Hunger walks listeners through the practical differences between three core PCR approaches: endpoint PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and digital PCR. Drawing on her experience in both academic research and industry, she explains how each technique provides different types of information and why choosing the right one depends on the biological question being asked.  Endpoint PCR is the simplest method and is ideal for basic presence-or-absence questions such as confirming cloning success or genotyping samples. While fast and accessible, it does not provide quantitative information. For experiments requiring measurement of gene expression levels or comparisons between samples, qPCR offers a powerful solution by monitoring amplification in real time and using Ct values and standard curves to estimate starting concentrations. Hunger then discusses digital PCR, a newer technology that partitions samples into many micro-reactions to enable highly precise, absolute quantification of nucleic acids. Because it counts positive and negative partitions directly, digital PCR is especially valuable for detecting rare mutations, low-abundance targets, and applications like liquid biopsy analysis. Ultimately, she emphasizes that these PCR approaches are complementary tools, and the best experimental strategy is to choose the method that provides the level of information required for the next step in a research workflow. Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:  Access educational eBook covering all three types of PCR and their use in gene expression analysis.  Watch a video on when to choose digital vs. real-time PCR.  Use the PCR primer design tool from Thermo Fisher.  Access Harvard’s PrimerBank, a public resource of PCR primers. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Season 4 premiere of Speaking of Mol Bio, host Steve Lewis speaks with Dr. Nina Pollak from the University of the Sunshine Coast about the development of a single-dose vaccine aimed at protecting endangered koalas from Chlamydia pecorum. The disease is a major threat to koala populations across eastern Australia, contributing to infertility, blindness, and increased mortality. Pollak’s work focuses on optimizing the production and quality control of vaccine antigens while supporting regulatory approval and field trials that ultimately led to a conditional minor-use permit from Australia’s veterinary regulatory authority.  The vaccine relies on recombinant versions of the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) from three dominant chlamydial genotypes. Using standard molecular biology techniques, including gene cloning in E. coli, His-tag purification, SDS-PAGE verification, western blotting, and mass spectrometry, Pollak’s team produces and verifies these vaccine antigens before combining them with adjuvants to stimulate protective immune responses. Beyond the science, the episode explores the challenges of conservation-focused vaccinology: field vaccination of wild animals, limited commercial incentives, and the importance of methods for monitoring disease prevalence. Pollak also reflects on the collaborative nature of the decade-long project and offers advice to young scientists pursuing difficult but meaningful research challenges. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Mol Bio Minutes mini-episode, Laurynas Alijošius shares how Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) provides a reliable, high-yield approach for amplifying circular DNA prior to next-generation sequencing (NGS). This isothermal method avoids the need for thermal cycling and even bypasses the need for specific primers—making it ideal for challenging viral genomes, rare targets, or field samples. Powered by the strand-displacing phi29 DNA polymerase, RCA amplifies DNA with impressive sensitivity and minimal GC bias. Laurynas breaks down the steps of multiple displacement amplification (MDA), explains why exonuclease-resistant primers are important, and explores how engineered polymerases like EquiPhi29™ DNA Polymerase dramatically improve yield and reduce reaction times. RCA products can be cleaned up and debranched to support a range of downstream workflows, including nanopore sequencing and transcriptomics. From single-cell genomics to phage-based applications and in vitro expression systems, RCA is more than just a pre-NGS step; it’s a versatile tool with broad utility. Whether you're stabilizing viral RNA or tackling ultra-low-input samples, RCA and whole genome amplification offer new flexibility for today’s demanding sequencing workflows. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Applyo Jena is building a freeze-dried future, one bead at a time. In this episode, Dr. Hanno Hermann and Dr. Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong walk us through how their lyo-bead technology emerged from the challenges of field-based HIV diagnostics and evolved into a flexible platform that stabilizes everything from enzymes to magnetic nanoparticles, without the need for refrigeration. From diagnostics research to therapeutics, this lyophilization platform is solving key pain points in reagent formulation, shipping, and field use. Hanno and Thanh Tu explain how lyo-beads offer precise, single-use reagent doses with near-instantaneous rehydration, minimal batch-to-batch variability, and extended ambient temperature stability. Whether it's for isothermal RT-LAMP, next-gen sequencing prep, or phage-based application, Applyo’s platform unlocks new formats, simplifies logistics, and lowers the environmental burden of molecular workflows. With new hires, new markets, and new product lines on the horizon, Applyo Jena is poised for a decade of growth and maybe even a hand in reshaping the way freeze-dried pharmaceuticals are developed and delivered. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Monika Jazdauskaitė dives into the versatile world of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA). Unlike PCR, RPA operates at a constant, low temperature (around 37–42°C), enabling fast, equipment-light workflows that are ideal for field diagnostics and decentralized labs. Monika explains how the method works and why RPA is emerging as a go-to technique for both DNA and RNA target detection. She highlights RPA’s specificity, sensitivity, and robustness against common inhibitors like ethanol and heparin, critical for applications like respiratory pathogen detection or low-quality sample inputs. Plus, she shares how RPA’s gentle conditions and lyophilization compatibility make it a strong candidate for stabilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries, especially those with high GC content. Whether you're looking to simplify pathogen detection or streamline your sequencing prep, RPA offers a compelling alternative to traditional amplification. And with ready-to-use kits like the Invitrogen™ Lyo-ready RPA Kit, Thermo Fisher is helping researchers bring speed and stability to molecular workflows, all with no thermal cycler required. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Dr. Andre Ghetti, CEO of AnaBios, offers a deep dive into the world of translational preclinical research. AnaBios is redefining early human insights by using ethically sourced, functional human tissues and cells to generate actionable data before compounds ever enter clinical trials. Ghetti walks us through the company’s approach of offering human-relevant safety and efficacy data, validating drug targets, and supporting everything from small startups to major pharma groups. We learn how AnaBios engages with clients to customize assays, especially in high-need areas like non-opioid pain therapies, fibrosis, and cardiac safety, and how they use a blend of standardized and novel functional assays, some of which required building their own hardware. He also discusses their integration of RT-PCR, RNA-seq, and calcium imaging, including genetically encoded sensors to monitor neuronal activity at scale. From their use of machine learning to analyze massive data sets, to collaborations with the FDA, to their unique ability to preserve tissue viability across the U.S., AnaBios offers a powerful glimpse into the future of translational biology. Dr. Ghetti also shares advice for young scientists and reflects on what’s next for AnaBios, including oncology and stem-cell model integration. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Dr. Agnė Alminaitė unveils an exciting new approach for assay developers: Dry-Ready™ reagents for RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. These innovations eliminate the need for lyophilizers by enabling air drying of molecular assays in a standard heating oven, producing room temperature-stable assays in under two hours. Agnė walks listeners through how Dry-Ready differs from traditional Lyo-Ready™ and lyophilization methods, while delivering similar stability and performance. She explains the critical role of thermostable enzymes and specially developed excipient mixes that protect enzyme function during the drying process. The episode introduces two new kits: the Dry-Ready™ RT-LAMP Kit, ideal for flexible assay development and point-of-care settings, and the one-step Dry-Ready™ RT-qPCR Kit, a powerful tool for simplified, dual-function reactions. Both kits are customizable and empower even small labs to stabilize assays without complex equipment. Whether you're commercializing a kit or looking to simplify your workflow, this episode offers actionable insight into next-generation assay stabilization. And don't miss the special promo code below! Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about air-drying and lyophilization for assay stabilization.Visit the product pages for the Dry-Ready products Agnė introduced:Invitrogen Dry-Ready™ RT-qPCR KitInvitrogen Dry-Ready™ RT-LAMP KitAccess all Thermo Fisher Scientific promotional offersAccess your exclusive Speaking of Mol Bio promotional offerEnter code “CAZDUA” if in the U.S.Enter code “CZ7F19” in in Canada Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Felipe Gálvez-Cancino, group leader at Oxford's Center for Immuno-Oncology, walks us through his team’s groundbreaking research on macrophages, T cells, and immune regulation in solid tumors. Tracing his path from early cancer vaccine work to advanced antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), Felipe shares how his team is working to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages to more efficiently eliminate cancer cells. He explains how regulatory CD4+ T cells suppress both T cell and macrophage responses within tumors and how removing that suppression can supercharge phagocytic function. We also hear how his lab is leveraging mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma, clinical samples, and modern molecular biology techniques (like in vivo liver transfection and CRISPR-ready plasmid engineering) to study intratumor heterogeneity and antigen spreading. Felipe also reflects on the value of early molecular biology training—like mastering gigapreps—and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, persistence, and collaboration in scientific careers. Whether you’re interested in cancer biology, immunotherapy, or just passionate about translating discoveries into new therapies, this episode offers both technical depth and motivational insight. Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Dr. Will Barnes, a plant biologist turned senior sales training specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, reflects on his time at the bench and the molecular lessons learned along the way. Will dives deep into the difficulties of RNA work in plant systems—carbohydrate contamination, genomic DNA carryover, secondary structure—and how these hindered everything from cloning and expression analysis to sequencing and qPCR. Through real-world anecdotes, he explains how high-quality reagents and systems helped him troubleshoot and resolve recurring issues, ultimately saving time and improving data reliability. He advocates for prioritizing upstream steps like RNA integrity and reverse transcription fidelity instead of chasing fixes at the end of the workflow. Listeners will leave with a deeper appreciation for the critical role of sample prep in molecular biology workflows and why investing in better tools pays off in cleaner data, greater confidence, and fewer headaches. Will’s experience is a relatable reminder that smarter choices lead to better science. Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode: Learn about molecular cloning workflows and Gateway cloning solutionsExplore a variety of resources on reverse transcriptionTaqMan vs SYBR Chemistry for Real-Time PCRUsing MagMAX kits for automated nucleic acid extractionLearn more about, or order,SuperScript IV VILO Master MixExplore RNA/DNA quantification solutions, including Qubit and Nanodrop instruments---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limited time promotional offer – Be one of the first 75 listeners to spend $500 and get 40% off all eligible reverse transcriptase, plastics, enzymes, and cloning reagents.  Visit thermofisher.com/sombpromo for full detailsEnter promo code CAZDUA in the U.S.A.Enter promo code CZ7F19 in Canada Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.    Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.    For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.