Imagine having tube after tube of competent cells for your transformations, all (virtually) free of charge. The way to reach this nirvana is to make your own competent cells. Traditionally this can be a tricky feat, but the procedure laid out in this guide makes it simple and routine.

Ever wondered where the techniques you use every day actually came from? This guide dives into the flukes, epiphanies, and odd stories behind biological research. Packed with surprising history and lab-ready trivia to keep things interesting.