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How To Optimize Bioluminescence Assays for High-sensitivity Detection

To generate reliable quantitative bioluminescent data, you need more than a strong luciferase signal. Optimize bioluminescence assays for high-sensitivity detection by controlling substrate handling, timing, plate-reader settings, and normalization so technical noise doesn’t mask real biology. From luciferase and substrate choice to reader optimisation and in vivo bioluminescent imaging workflows, these practical strategies help you produce reproducible, interpretable data you can trust.

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How to Detect Low-affinity Protein Binding Without Surface Plasmon Resonance

Find out how to detect low-affinity protein binding without using SPR. The Octet® R8e BLI system bridges the gap between speed, simplicity, and sensitivity, transforming drug discovery workflows.

Mass Photometry: An Easy Way to Determine Protein Oligomerization and Heterogeneity

Mass photometry (MP) is a fast, label-free way to check protein oligomerization, heterogeneity, and complex formation using only ~10 µL of sample at 10–50 nM. It detects single molecules as they land on a glass coverslip, converts scattering contrast to molecular mass using standards (e.g., BSA), and outputs a histogram where peaks reveal monomers, dimers, higher oligomers, and aggregates with their relative abundance. MP supports quick go/no-go decisions and sample quality control before cryo-EM, crystallography, or binding studies. Good prep (clean coverslips, calibration, filtering/spinning, and ≥90–95% purity) keeps peaks sharp and interpretable. Know the limits: <30 kDa proteins and complexes may be missed.

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The Recombinant Revolution: Experimental Optimization with Recombinant Antibodies and Epitope Mapping

Effective experimental design depends on choosing antibodies that match your target and assay conditions. This article explains how experimental optimization with recombinant antibodies and epitope mapping can improve consistency, reveal precise binding interactions, and support better reagent selection, enabling you to design assays that deliver more reliable, reproducible results.


Microscopy & Imaging

Expansion Microscopy: Achieving Nanoscale Resolution Using Conventional Fluorescence Microscopes
Expansion Microscopy: Achieving Nanoscale Resolution Using Conventional Fluorescence Microscopes

For decades, the diffraction of light has placed a hard limit on optical microscopy. Conventional widefield and confocal microscopes can’t resolve features smaller than about 200 nm laterally, which means critical signaling compartments and the nanoscopic organization of synapse-associated molecules remain hidden. The 21st century brought revolutionary super-resolution technologies, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED),…


DNA / RNA Manipulation & Analysis


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10 Things Every Molecular Biologist Should Know

The eBook with top tips from our Researcher community.