Articles

Next-generation sequencing, PacBio SMRT sequencing, and Nanopore sequencing, can generate numerous sequence data in a single run. Raw reads or assembled sequence need to be submitted to public sequence repository (DDBJ/ENA/GenBank - INSDC), which is required by the overwhelming majority of journals as accession numbers of theses sequence data should be presented in in the published papers. The submission portal (https://submit.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) is a programmatic interface for users to submit sequence data and download others’ sequence data.
Submission of sequence data to NCBI archives Next-generation sequencing, PacBio SMRT sequencing, and Nanopore sequencing, can generate numerous sequence data in a single run. Raw reads or assembled sequence need to be submitted to public seque…

Enter metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), an all-encompassing and precise approach for microbial detection and taxonomic characterization. While numerous studies and case reports underscore the efficacy of mNGS in enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and tracking of infectious diseases, formidable obstacles still lie on the path forward.
  In recent years, the landscape of sequencing technologies has undergone a transformative shift, transitioning from research settings to the realm of clinical laboratories. This transformation has been catalyzed by rapid technological advancements and significant cost reductions. Despite a multitude of microorganisms known to inflict human infections, prevailing diagnostic techniques merely scratch the surface, leaving a vast array of pathog…

Protein labeling refers to the process of attaching a detectable tag or marker to a protein. This can be achieved through various chemical, enzymatic, genetic, or isotopic methods. The purpose of protein labeling is to make proteins traceable, enabling detailed analysis of their function, structure, and interactions within biological systems.
Protein labeling refers to the process of attaching a detectable tag or marker to a protein. This can be achieved through various chemical, enzymatic, genetic, or isotopic methods. The purpose of protein labeling is to make proteins traceable, enabling detailed analysis of their function, structure, and interactions within biological systems.   Labeling proteins plays a vital role in many biological experiments, particularly in understanding cellu…

Cell lysis refers to the process of breaking down the cell membrane to release cellular contents, including proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Protein extraction is the subsequent step where proteins are separated from other cellular components for analysis or further manipulation. These processes are crucial for understanding cellular mechanisms, identifying potential biomarkers, and developing therapeutic strategies.
  Cell lysis refers to the process of breaking down the cell membrane to release cellular contents, including proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Protein extraction is the subsequent step where proteins are separated from other cellular components for analysis or further manipulation. These processes are crucial for understanding cellular mecha…

Stable isotope labeling is a sophisticated technique that involves incorporating stable isotopes into molecules to trace and analyze various biological and chemical processes. Unlike radioactive isotopes, which decay over time and emit radiation, stable isotopes remain constant and do not pose the same safety risks. This stability allows for long-term studies and precise measurements without the complications associated with radiation.
What is Stable Isotope Labeling? Stable isotope labeling is a sophisticated technique that involves incorporating stable isotopes into molecules to trace and analyze various biological and chemical processes. Unlike radioactive isotopes, which decay over time and emit radiation, stable isotopes remain constant and do not pose the same safety risks. This stabi…

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a class of antibody drugs that are highly uniform and have pharmacological effects against a single epitope obtained through molecular biology.
  Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a class of antibody drugs that are highly uniform and have pharmacological effects against a single epitope obtained through molecular biology.   In the process of new drug development, the study of pharmacokinetics is of great significance. The result can be used to guide the screening and development of drugs, and support the evaluation of their safety and the design of clinical drug delivery protocol.   Pharmacokinetic characteristics are composed of and determined by drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The structure, ph…

Vaccines have been essential in disease prevention, and the requirements for vaccine quality continue to increase. The application of advanced separation and purification technologies during the preparation of traditional and new vaccines is an effective means to improve vaccine efficacy and reduce side effects.
Vaccines have been essential in disease prevention, and the requirements for vaccine quality continue to increase. The application of advanced separation and purification technologies during the preparation of traditional and new vaccines is an effective means to improve vaccine efficacy and reduce side effects. Here are some commonly used purification methods:   Centrifugal Ultracentrifugation The sample particles sink at a certain speed, determined by their size, shape, and…

The role of advanced diagnostics in functional medicine. Specialty labs are making a difference in the industry due to the cutting-edge technology they are implementing. The shift towards personalized medicine is happening now and the insights gained from functional medicine diagnostics are leading to better patient care.
Advancing Diagnostics in Specialty Medicine: Insights from Functional Medicine Testing As the healthcare industry increasingly embraces personalized medicine, advanced diagnostics is important in functional medicine’s ability to support these efforts. Functional medicine, which focuses on identifying the root causes of diseases through a holistic approach, is a growing area of interest in both clinical settings and the pharmaceutical/biotech sectors. Understanding the Role…

Enzymes, biological catalysts integral to metabolic processes, have increasingly become central to numerous industrial applications. Their inherent specificity, efficiency under mild conditions, and eco-friendly nature present compelling advantages over conventional chemical catalysts, prompting widespread adoption in diverse industries. This article seeks to elucidate the multifaceted roles of enzymes in industrial processes, highlighting their biochemical mechanisms and potential for innovation and improvement.
Enzymes, biological catalysts integral to metabolic processes, have increasingly become central to numerous industrial applications. Their inherent specificity, efficiency under mild conditions, and eco-friendly nature present compelling advantages over conventional chemical cataly…

Ovalbumin, also known as albumin or OVA, is the most abundant protein found in egg white, accounting for approximately 54% of its total protein content. This versatile glycoprotein has captivated researchers and industry professionals alike due to its unique properties and wide-ranging applications. In this article, we'll explore the structure, functions, and diverse uses of ovalbumin in various fields.
  Ovalbumin, also known as albumin or OVA, is the most abundant protein found in egg white, accounting for approximately 54% of its total protein content. This versatile glycoprotein has captivated researchers and industry professionals alike due to its unique properties and wide-ranging applications. In this article, we'll explore the structure, functions, and diverse uses of ovalbumin…

Elastase is a powerful enzyme that plays a critical role in various biological processes, both in physiological and pathological contexts. It belongs to the family of serine proteases, which are enzymes characterized by a unique serine residue in their active site. This enzyme is known for its ability to degrade elastin, a key protein that provides elasticity and resilience to tissues such as skin, lungs, and blood vessels. Understanding the functions and implications of elastase is crucial in biochemistry and medicine, as it has a significant impact on both health and disease.
Elastase is a powerful enzyme that plays a critical role in various biological processes, both in physiological and pathological contexts. It belongs to the family of serine proteases, which are enzymes characterized…

Ribonucleases (RNases) represent a critical class of enzymes with a principal role in the degradation of RNA, crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating gene expression. By cleaving RNA molecules, RNases are integral to numerous biological processes, ranging from RNA maturation to the innate immune response against RNA viruses. In this exploration, we delve into the multifaceted nature of ribonucleases, examining their structure, function, and potential in biotechnology.
Ribonucleases (RNases) represent a critical class of enzymes with a principal role in the degradation of RNA, crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating gene expression. By cleaving RNA molecules, RNases are integral to numerous biological processes, ranging from RNA maturation to the innat…

Air transport is a critical lifeline for the life sciences and health care industries, ensuring the timely delivery of essential products like medicines and lab samples worldwide. Whether transporting temperature-sensitive biologics or coordinating international clinical trials, life sciences companies rely heavily on the efficiency of air logistics.
Air transport is a critical lifeline for the life sciences and health care industries, ensuring the timely delivery of essential products like medicines and lab samples worldwide. Whether transporting temperature-sensitive biologics or coordinating international clinical trials, life sciences companies rely heavily on the efficiency of air logistics. However, when air transport is disrupted — whether by weather, geopolitical tensions, or logist…

Starting a career in clinical research is an exciting yet challenging step. Whether you’re fresh out of university or transitioning from another field, working in clinical research offers a dynamic environment with plenty of opportunities for growth and learning, as well as an incredibly rewarding career path.
Starting a career in clinical research is an exciting yet challenging step. Whether you’re fresh out of university or transitioning from another field, working in clinical research offers a dynamic environment with plenty of opportunities for growth and learning, as well as an incredibly rewarding career path. Here, we explore the key aspects of entry-level roles in clinical research, looking at the types of roles on offer, what to expect in your first job and the skills you’ll need t…

Your job adverts can either attract or repel your ideal candidates and are arguably the most important element of your recruitment marketing. In a tough market, it’s vital that you get your job adverts right, striking the perfect balance between being informative and engaging, detailed yet succinct. They should speak to the wants and needs of your target candidates whilst positioning your organisation as an employer of choice, and most importantly, they need to drive action.
Your job adverts can either attract or repel your ideal candidates and are arguably the most important element of your recruitment marketing. In a tough market, it’s vital that you get your job adverts right, striking the perfect balance between being informative and engaging, detailed yet succinct. They should speak to…

Accurate data is the backbone of drug safety and therapeutic success in pharmaceutical research. Strategies for ensuring data integrity include implementing continual data auditing, enhancing data security protocols, ensuring comprehensive documentation practices, and more.
Data accuracy and reliability are essential in pharmaceutical research because they directly impact patient safety, research outcomes and regulatory compliance. Inaccurate information can lead to the approval of unsafe or ineffective drugs, which can pose severe health risks to patients. Additionally, failing to meet regulatory standards due to compromised intelligence can lead to rejected applications, halted trials or product recalls, damaging the organization’s reputation. Prioritizing data integrity ensures research…

As cancer rates continue to climb, the market for AI in cancer diagnostics is witnessing remarkable growth. This surge is driven not only by the increasing prevalence of the disease but also by a heightened awareness of the importance of early detection. By enhancing accuracy and efficiency, AI is revolutionizing the way we approach cancer diagnostics, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Rising Cancer Rates and the Impact of AI on Diagnostics As cancer rates continue to climb, the market for AI in cancer diagnostics is witnessing remarkable growth. This surge is driven not only by the increasing prevalence of the disease but also by a heightened awareness of the importance of early detection. By enhancing accuracy and efficiency, AI is revolutionizing the way we approach cancer diagnosti…

Fluoropolymers, characterized by the replacement of hydrogen atoms with fluorine, offer unparalleled performance attributes that set them apart from other materials.
The Science of Fluoropolymers Fluoropolymers, characterized by the replacement of hydrogen atoms with fluorine, offer unparalleled performance attributes that set them apart from other materials. The C-F bond is the strongest single bond known in organic chemistry and has a strong polarity. The high chemical stability of fluoropolymers can also be explained by the bond strength of the central C-F bond, which can reach about 470 kJ/mol. In comparison, the strength of the C-C bond found in hydrocarbons is 350~380 kJ/mol. Types and Characteristics of Fluoropolymers The family of fluoropolymers encompasses several key var…

If you’re used to working for a large pharmaceutical company in a corporate environment, then transitioning to a smaller or start-up company can be a big shock to the system. Whilst no two companies are the same regardless of their size, there are distinct differences between working for a large company and a small start-up, and things you’ll need to consider before making the move.
If you’re used to working for a large pharmaceutical company in a corporate environment, then transitioning to a smaller or start-up company can be a big shock to the system. Whilst no two companies are the same regardless of their size, there are distinct differences between working for a large company and a small start-up, and things you’ll need to consider before making the move. We sat down (virtually) with…

This blog post offers a comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming ICH E6 (R3) guideline, a critical update for anyone involved in clinical research.
What is Good Clinical Practice (GCP)? Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is an international standard that ensures the ethical and scientific conduct of clinical trials. It protects the rights, safety, and well-being of participants while generating reliable data for healthcare advancement. The Evolution of ICH E6 1996: The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) establishes the first GCP standards (ICH E6 (R1)). 2016: ICH E6 (R2) is released, emphasizing risk and quality management. 2023 (May): A draft of ICH E6 (R3) is unveiled, reflecting the ever-evolving clinical research landscape. What is ICH E6 (R3)? ICH E6 (R3) is the la…