Formaldehyde fixation may be the gold standard for preserving cells and tissues but alcohol-based fixation can deliver improved results in many biomolecular techniques - with the benefit of safer, greener chemistry.
Read More
Eco-friendly Agarose Choices for Gel Electrophoresis
Is there such a thing as eco-friendly laboratory agarose? When you consider the chemistry involved in the manufacture of this laboratory staple the answer is yes!
Read More
Effective and eco-friendly use of common lab surface disinfectants
Biologists have a heightened awareness of surface contamination and a preference for eco-friendly decontamination methods. It’s more important than ever to connect that awareness to effective lab practices. Learn how ineffective disinfection can increase both contamination and ecological risks.
Read More
Turmeric tissue staining for histology and bioimaging
The vibrant color of turmeric has made it useful since ancient times as a cooking spice and clothing dye. There has been much interest in researching it’s potential as a disease therapy. This research focus has prompted labs to apply this low cost, non-toxic substance to tissue staining (1) and bioimaging (2) studies. While turmeric has not been certified by the Biological Stain Commission just yet, studies have demonstrated some good potential to replace synthetic dyes.
Read More
Coomassie Blue SDS-PAGE Gel Trends: A conventional dye goes radical
Coomassie blue protein gel staining began in the 1960s, and it’s still a fan favorite in biology labs today. While less sensitive as a colormetric method than silver, or fluorescent staining, Coomassie has undergone a significant revolution in recent years. This post presents a few handy tips for this essential life science pigment.
Read MoreGreen Chemistry is the Pinnacle of Lab Safety
Green chemistry is a solution oriented approach to lab safety with economic benefits. In today's green labs tip I would like to refer you to the OSHA Transitioning to Safer Chemicals Toolkit that highlights how efforts to substitute hazardous chemicals with green chemistry is the most effective way to promote laboratory safety.
Read More