Life Science Articles

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Massive Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS)

This article outlines the process of mRNA sequencing and gene expression analysis using MPSS. It also details the applications and limitations of MPSS.

18 Jan 2018

RNAi Mechanism

This article outlines the process of RNA interference (RNAi), the steps involved in the production of siRNA and the precise structure of key proteins.

18 Jan 2018

MPSS and SAGE Compared

MPSS and SAGE are commonly used to quantify gene expression. Both can be used without prior sequence information and have similar applications.

17 Jan 2018

Sample Preparation in TEM

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to study the structure of small molecules in biology, as well as other particles in material science.

17 Jan 2018

Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) and DNA Microarray Compared

DNA microarrays provide rapid screening for a large number of known genes. SAGE cannot facilitate as many samples but can screen uncharacterized genomes.

16 Jan 2018

Two Hybrid Screening: Advantages and Disadvantages

The yeast two-hybrid system is popular due to its flexibility and rapid isolation of interacting proteins; the major drawback is its limited applicability.

16 Jan 2018

Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE)

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) involves the amplification and sequencing of mRNA. It can be used to identify causal genes in disease.

15 Jan 2018

RNA Interference (RNAi) in Biotechnology

RNA interference is a rapidly developing method of gene silencing. It is used to genetically engineer plants against stress, disease and pest resistance.

15 Jan 2018

Sanger Sequencing and Next-Generation Sequencing Compared

Currently, the two most popular methods of DNA sequencing are Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS). View a comparison of each method here.

12 Jan 2018

Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction

The Suzuki-Miyaura reaction was first published in 1979 and is a non-toxic method of producing biaryls, alkenes and styrenes for organic chemistry.

12 Jan 2018

Phosphatidylinositol Biphosphate (PIP2) Signal Pathway

PIP2 is an essential membrane lipid present in all animals and plants. Signaling occurs through G protein coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases.

11 Jan 2018

Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs)

TALENs are artificial restriction enzymes that can cut DNA upon contact, creating double-stranded breaks. They are used in biological research and genetics.

11 Jan 2018

Gene Knockin

Gene knockin (KI) involves the insertion of an exogenous gene at a specific locus in the genome, and is currently used to study small nucleotide mutations.

10 Jan 2018

Biophotonics in Tissue Biology

Biophotonics is a developing multidisciplinary field which uses light-based techniques to detect and visualize the microscopic structure of tissues.

10 Jan 2018

Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) systems

The yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) approach is used to determine protein–protein interactions. Variations allow a broad range of genetic applications.

8 Jan 2018

Types of Scanning Probe Microscopy

There are several types of scanning probe microscopes; the most prominent are atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).

9 Jan 2018

Validating Biomarkers in Targeted Metabolomics

Recently, metabolic profiling has attracted interest for the validation of biomarkers which can be used to discover the underlying mechanism of a disease.

8 Jan 2018

RNAi Evolution

RNAi is a cellular mechanism that can be used in plants, animals and humans expressing unwanted gene products, to prevent the development of disease.

8 Jan 2018

The cAMP signaling pathway

cAMP is a vital second messenger in several signaling pathways. Interrupting the cAMP signaling pathway can aid the treatment of various human diseases.

5 Jan 2018