Microbiomics is a burgeoning field with implications for a wide range of topics in human health. Modern sequencing techniques can deliver rich and novel data but are constrained by DNA extraction methods that are difficult, time consuming, and, especially in microbiomics samples, prone to bias. Read More

A master’s thesis from Jeremy Kimball at the University of Illinois describing a streamlined, automated analysis pipeline to create microorganism growth phenotypes. Read More

Normal reproductive functioning is critically dependent on pulsatile secretion of luteinising hormone (LH). Assessment of LH pulsatility is important for the clinical diagnosis of reproductive disorders, but current methods are hampered by frequent blood sampling coupled to expensive serial immunochemical analysis. … Read More

Recent advances in sample preparation and analysis have enabled direct profiling of protein expression in single mammalian cells and other trace samples. Several techniques to prepare and analyze low-input samples employ custom fluidics for nanoliter sample processing and manual sample injection onto a specialized separation column. … Read More

The development of streamlined and high-throughput sample processing workflows is important for capitalizing on emerging advances and innovations in mass spectrometry-based applications. While the adaptation of new technologies and improved methodologies is fast paced, automation of upstream sample processing often lags. Read More

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are extremely effective, single-molecule DNA-targeting molecular cursors used for locus-specific genome science applications, including high-precision molecular medicine and other genome engineering applications. TALEs are used in genome engineering for locus-specific DNA editing and imaging, as artificial transcriptional activators and repressors, and for targeted epigenetic modification. … Read More

We have created a system which allows an inexpensive opensource liquid-handling robot to automate most aspects of bloodstage malaria parasite culture. Parasites are cultured in multiwell microplates, with their details recorded in a database. Information in the database is used to generate commands for the robot to feed, monitor and… Read More

One challenge in engineering organisms is guaranteeing system behavior over many generations. Spontaneous mutations that arise before or during use can impact heterologous genetic functions, disrupt system integration, or change organism phenotype. Here, we propose restructuring the genetic code itself such that all point mutations in protein-coding sequences are selected… Read More

Programmable and multiplexed genome integration of large, diverse DNA cargo independent of DNA repair remains an unsolved challenge of genome editing. Current gene integration approaches require double-strand breaks that evoke DNA damage responses and rely on repair pathways that are inactive in terminally differentiated cells. … Read More

The future of the life sciences is linked to automation and microfluidics. As robots start working side by side with scientists, robotic automation of microfluidics in general, and droplet microfluidics in particular, will significantly extend and accelerate the life sciences. Read More