It’s a good time to plan for future disruptions by adding flexibility in your laboratory workflow. Continuing lab work will be based on more than social distancing requirements. Your lab materials choices, your organization systems, and even your sterilization systems factor into lab productivity. Read on to learn green lab tips that could help you to foster independence and ultimately also protect the environment and human health.
Read MoreHow to switch from plastic to glass Petri dishes in your lab: an interview with Elicia Preston of the UPENN Perelman School of Medicine
Our thanks today to green lab champion Elicia Preston who is a research scientist and lab manager in John Murray’s Lab in the Genetics Department at the Perelman School of Medicine! The following interview and their accompanying “how to” video provide the information you need to use glass petri plates to reduce plastic waste in your laboratory.
Read MoreMIT's MASH alarm is an easy, effective and inexpensive way to save VAV fume hood energy
When you leave a freezer door ajar in your kitchen, what happens? The refrigerator beeps, right? This warning is a simple and effective signal to avoid a problem. Behavioral scientists might describe that “beep” as an auditory prompt. It’s a cue to help people extinguish an unwanted behavior. The MASH alarm works in a similar way. The device beeps after no motion is detected for three minutes at a hood when the sash has been left too far open.
Read MoreInsights on how to make your lab sustainable in today's climate
Yes, reducing life science lab waste is a challenge in today’s recycling environment. But please don’t feel overwhelmed and alone on this issue! Today’s green lab tip is a video that perfectly captures the significant experience of people who have implemented lab solutions that work.
Read More
Microfluidic device systems for sustainable biomedicine
Biological assays have been shifting towards miniaturization for some time, increasing lab work efficiency and enabling high throughput. From genomic sequencing in research laboratories, to molecular diagnostics in healthcare settings, microfluidic device technologies have demonstrated a profoundly sustainable impact in bioscience. Their greatest effect has been in healthcare. Today’s green lab tip spotlights microfluidic technology as one of the most exciting areas in bioscience sustainability!
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