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Next-generation sequencing has made decoding entire genomes cheaper and faster. But what about those researchers who only want to sequence a small section of a genome or focus on a couple thousand specific exons? A wave of new technologies has recently emerged that should help these scientists target their sequencing efforts to sequences of interest.
In a short period of time, in vivo molecular imaging systems have become indispensable research tools in many clinical and basic research laboratories. But developers are now pushing the technology further in the hopes of making a new generation of platforms with greater accuracy and sensitivity for a wider array of applications.
Surface plasmon resonance sensing has entered the next phase of development as researchers advance array-based applications using the technique. Could these new approaches change the way scientists explore protein interactions?
From high-throughput electroporation platforms capable of transfecting thousands of different cells in a day, to nanowires that puncture and deliver DNA to just a single cell, new technology is emerging to help researchers with their changing gene delivery needs.
Small RNA discovery and profiling efforts are dramatically reshaping fundamental concepts of how genes are regulated and are leading to new tools for studying gene function.
Biobanking is gaining momentum as more and more patient samples and clinical information are being stored in facilities around the globe. New technology is helping everyone—from national efforts to smaller research laboratories—to process and track their biospecimen collections.
Some researchers say an eighty-year-old statistical method can make setting up and analyzing high-throughput screens and large-scale experiments faster and more efficient. So why are more biologists not flocking to use this tool?
With increasing numbers of well-characterized stem cell lines and improved culture and differentiation technologies, more scientists are testing the waters of stem cell research.
Researchers at two Boston–based neuroscience centers are working to develop new imaging tools and technology with the hope of discovering the secrets behind how the brain functions.
The results of large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are being deposited in public databases with increasing frequency. But the software to analyze and interpret GWAS datasets can be difficult to use. Could a new generation of user-friendly programs fill the gap?
Could the latest high-throughput technologies propel chemical genomics screens forward in academic settings? After 18 months of careful design and planning, scientists at the Broad Institute's chemical biology platform are about to flip the switches and find out.
Mass spectrometry instrumentation has made strides in recent years in terms of dynamic range and sensitivity, putting researchers in a better position to use the technology to tackle the challenges of disease biomarker discovery and validation.
In less than five years the Nano/Bio Interface Center at the University of Pennsylvania has gone from an idea to a nationally funded nanotechnology center. A look inside reveals how they have taken a collaborative approach to technology development.
With abundant sequencing data, falling prices and mature genotyping platforms, researchers have more options than ever to explore the connections between genes and phenotype.
Researchers are finally reaping the rewards of large-scale RNA interference (RNAi) screens in mammalian cells, obtaining insights into a wide range of biological questions. Nathan Blow takes a look at the technology advances spearheading this revolution.
Emboldened by the success of next-generation sequencing, scientists are pursuing the holy grail of genomics—the '$1,000 genome'—with single-molecule approaches. Nathan Blow reports.
Nathan Blow visits the Joint Center for Structural Genomics for a glimpse inside one of the large-scale production centers for the Protein Structure Initiative.
The benefits of laboratory automation do not come without considerable effort and patience in setting up the systems. Nathan Blow talks with two groups at different stages on the road to automation.
Mass spectrometry is more than ever at the forefront of functional proteomics research. The technology has come a long way, but what does the future hold? Nathan Blow gets perspectives, predictions and wishes from key developers.