{"id":19235,"date":"2025-11-11T23:45:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T23:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/?p=19235"},"modified":"2026-05-15T18:37:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T18:37:39","slug":"crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/","title":{"rendered":"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR – A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In a recent Absolute Gene-ius podcast episode titled \u201cCRISPR, dPCR, and pigs – a cut above the rest\u201d, Dr. Dustin Rubinstein, Director of the Advanced Genome Editing Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared his insights on how CRISPR and digital PCR (dPCR) are revolutionizing gene editing workflows. This Q&A format blog post captures the essence of his discussion, focusing on the applications of these technologies in cancer research and rare disease modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen to the full episode on the Absolute Gene-ius webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How are genetically engineered pig models used in research?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rubinstein:<\/strong> Genetically engineered pig models offer more clinically relevant insights compared to traditional small animal models. By using CRISPR to modify pig genomes, researchers can mimic human disease conditions more accurately. These models are invaluable for cancer and rare disease research, helping us understand the genetic mechanisms underlying these diseases and explore potential therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What is digital PCR (dPCR), and why is it important in gene editing workflows?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rubinstein:<\/strong> Digital PCR (dPCR) provides absolute quantification and unparalleled precision in detecting and confirming gene edits. Unlike traditional qPCR and sequencing methods, dPCR eliminates ambiguity, making it particularly advantageous for copy number variation (CNV) analysis and gene editing confirmation. This precision is vital for applications such as cancer research, where the presence or absence of specific gene copies can significantly impact disease progression and treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How do CRISPR and dPCR complement each other in research workflows?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rubinstein:<\/strong> The integration of CRISPR and dPCR in research workflows offers a powerful combination for academic researchers. By leveraging these technologies together, scientists can achieve precise genetic modifications and validate them with high accuracy. This synergy is transforming various aspects of molecular biology, from basic science to translational research. In my lab, we use CRISPR and dPCR to develop pig models for studying neurofibromatosis and cancer, ensuring that the modifications are accurate and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Can you share some insights on the importance of mentorship in science?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rubinstein:<\/strong> Mentorship has played a crucial role in my career and the development of my lab. For young researchers entering the field of gene editing, having experienced mentors can provide valuable guidance and support, helping them navigate the complexities of scientific discovery. My journey from founding a CRISPR core to leading an advanced genome editing laboratory underscores the collaborative nature of modern molecular biology. Working with diverse teams and sharing knowledge across labs is essential for driving innovation and achieving breakthroughs in genetic research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What are some of the latest advancements in CRISPR technology?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rubinstein:<\/strong> CRISPR technology continues to evolve, with new variations such as base editing and prime editing emerging. These advanced techniques offer even greater precision and flexibility, allowing researchers to target specific genetic sequences without cutting the DNA. The potential applications of these technologies are vast, from curing genetic diseases to developing novel therapies. Staying updated with the latest advancements in CRISPR and dPCR is crucial for academic researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How can researchers keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in gene editing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rubinstein:<\/strong> Keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation in gene editing can feel like “sipping from a fire hose.” However, understanding the capabilities and limitations of these tools is essential for making informed decisions in research workflows. Regularly engaging with the scientific community through conferences, seminars, and podcasts can help researchers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CRISPR and digital PCR are revolutionizing gene editing workflows, offering academic researchers powerful tools for exploring genetic modifications and developing disease models. The precision and efficiency of these technologies are transforming our understanding of complex genetic networks and paving the way for innovative therapies. By integrating CRISPR and dPCR, researchers can achieve accurate and reliable gene edits, advancing the field of molecular biology and contributing to the future of precision medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about dPCR and Thermo Fisher Scientific\u2019s dPCR portfolio at thermofisher.com\/dPCR<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a recent Absolute Gene-ius podcast episode titled \u201cCRISPR, dPCR, and pigs – a cut above the rest\u201d, Dr. Dustin Rubinstein, Director of the Advanced Genome Editing Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared his insights on how CRISPR and digital PCR (dPCR) are revolutionizing gene editing workflows. This Q&A format blog post captures the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":19762,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54,2452,181,2259,275],"tags":[2548,2353,57,2545,127,2544,2546,2547],"division":[2575],"class_list":{"0":"post-19235","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cancer-research","8":"category-gene-editing","9":"category-inherited-diseases","10":"category-molecular-diagnostics","11":"category-precision-medicine","12":"tag-cancer-research-tools","13":"tag-crispr","14":"tag-digital-pcr","15":"tag-dpcr-applications","16":"tag-gene-editing","17":"tag-genome-editing-research","18":"tag-precision-gene-editing","19":"tag-rare-disease-models","20":"division-gsd","21":"entry"},"_selected_authors":[1654],"_selected_reviewers":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow CRISPR and Digital PCR Improve Gene Editing Workflow Accuracy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore how CRISPR and digital PCR are transforming gene editing workflows, pig models, and rare disease research in this Q&A with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR - A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore how CRISPR and digital PCR are transforming gene editing workflows, pig models, and rare disease research in this Q&A with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Behind the Bench\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thermofisher\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-11T23:45:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-15T18:37:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"249\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Behind The Bench Staff\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@thermofisher\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@thermofisher\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Behind The Bench Staff\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Behind The Bench Staff\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9bbb2d67616274d3d4a21a584f7f4a0c\"},\"headline\":\"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR – A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-11T23:45:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-15T18:37:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":682,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/9\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"cancer research tools\",\"crispr\",\"digital PCR\",\"dpcr applications\",\"Gene Editing\",\"genome editing research\",\"precision gene editing\",\"rare disease models\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Cancer Research\",\"Gene Editing\",\"Inherited Diseases\",\"Molecular Diagnostics\",\"Precision Medicine\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/\",\"name\":\"How CRISPR and Digital PCR Improve Gene Editing Workflow Accuracy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/9\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-11T23:45:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-15T18:37:39+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9bbb2d67616274d3d4a21a584f7f4a0c\"},\"description\":\"Explore how CRISPR and digital PCR are transforming gene editing workflows, pig models, and rare disease research in this Q&A with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/9\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/9\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg\",\"width\":249,\"height\":300},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thermofisher.com\\\/blog\\\/behindthebench\\\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR – A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/\",\"name\":\"Behind the Bench\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/behindthebench\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9bbb2d67616274d3d4a21a584f7f4a0c\",\"name\":\"Behind The Bench Staff\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/52d5c16ece4bd1c0a49a63521c2b6a25c54a3f0c33f7afed215ba7e0cdff69e3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/52d5c16ece4bd1c0a49a63521c2b6a25c54a3f0c33f7afed215ba7e0cdff69e3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/52d5c16ece4bd1c0a49a63521c2b6a25c54a3f0c33f7afed215ba7e0cdff69e3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Behind The Bench Staff\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\\\/author\\\/behind-the-bench-staff\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How CRISPR and Digital PCR Improve Gene Editing Workflow Accuracy","description":"Explore how CRISPR and digital PCR are transforming gene editing workflows, pig models, and rare disease research in this Q&A with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR - A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein","og_description":"Explore how CRISPR and digital PCR are transforming gene editing workflows, pig models, and rare disease research in this Q&A with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/","og_site_name":"Behind the Bench","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thermofisher","article_published_time":"2025-11-11T23:45:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-15T18:37:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":249,"height":300,"url":"http:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Behind The Bench Staff","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@thermofisher","twitter_site":"@thermofisher","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Behind The Bench Staff","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/"},"author":{"name":"Behind The Bench Staff","@id":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/#\/schema\/person\/9bbb2d67616274d3d4a21a584f7f4a0c"},"headline":"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR – A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein","datePublished":"2025-11-11T23:45:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-15T18:37:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/"},"wordCount":682,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg","keywords":["cancer research tools","crispr","digital PCR","dpcr applications","Gene Editing","genome editing research","precision gene editing","rare disease models"],"articleSection":["Cancer Research","Gene Editing","Inherited Diseases","Molecular Diagnostics","Precision Medicine"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/","url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/","name":"How CRISPR and Digital PCR Improve Gene Editing Workflow Accuracy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg","datePublished":"2025-11-11T23:45:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-15T18:37:39+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/#\/schema\/person\/9bbb2d67616274d3d4a21a584f7f4a0c"},"description":"Explore how CRISPR and digital PCR are transforming gene editing workflows, pig models, and rare disease research in this Q&A with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg","width":249,"height":300},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/crispr-digital-pcr-gene-editing-workflow\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Revolutionizing Gene Editing with CRISPR and Digital PCR – A Conversation with Dr. Dustin Rubinstein"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/#website","url":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/","name":"Behind the Bench","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/#\/schema\/person\/9bbb2d67616274d3d4a21a584f7f4a0c","name":"Behind The Bench Staff","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/52d5c16ece4bd1c0a49a63521c2b6a25c54a3f0c33f7afed215ba7e0cdff69e3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/52d5c16ece4bd1c0a49a63521c2b6a25c54a3f0c33f7afed215ba7e0cdff69e3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/52d5c16ece4bd1c0a49a63521c2b6a25c54a3f0c33f7afed215ba7e0cdff69e3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Behind The Bench Staff"},"url":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/author\/behind-the-bench-staff\/"}]}},"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":54,"label":"Cancer Research"},{"value":2452,"label":"Gene Editing"},{"value":181,"label":"Inherited Diseases"},{"value":2259,"label":"Molecular Diagnostics"},{"value":275,"label":"Precision Medicine"}],"post_tag":[{"value":2548,"label":"cancer research tools"},{"value":2353,"label":"crispr"},{"value":57,"label":"digital PCR"},{"value":2545,"label":"dpcr applications"},{"value":127,"label":"Gene Editing"},{"value":2544,"label":"genome editing research"},{"value":2546,"label":"precision gene editing"},{"value":2547,"label":"rare disease models"}],"division":[{"value":2575,"label":"GSD"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg",249,300,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Behind The Bench Staff","author_link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/author\/behind-the-bench-staff\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":54,"name":"Cancer Research","slug":"cancer-research","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":54,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":142,"filter":"raw","meta":[],"cat_ID":54,"category_count":142,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Cancer Research","category_nicename":"cancer-research","category_parent":0},{"term_id":2452,"name":"Gene Editing","slug":"gene-editing","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2452,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":16,"filter":"raw","meta":[],"cat_ID":2452,"category_count":16,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Gene Editing","category_nicename":"gene-editing","category_parent":0},{"term_id":181,"name":"Inherited Diseases","slug":"inherited-diseases","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":181,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":26,"filter":"raw","meta":[],"cat_ID":181,"category_count":26,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Inherited Diseases","category_nicename":"inherited-diseases","category_parent":0},{"term_id":2259,"name":"Molecular Diagnostics","slug":"molecular-diagnostics","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2259,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":18,"filter":"raw","meta":[],"cat_ID":2259,"category_count":18,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Molecular Diagnostics","category_nicename":"molecular-diagnostics","category_parent":0},{"term_id":275,"name":"Precision Medicine","slug":"precision-medicine","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":275,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":19,"filter":"raw","meta":[],"cat_ID":275,"category_count":19,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Precision Medicine","category_nicename":"precision-medicine","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":2548,"name":"cancer research tools","slug":"cancer-research-tools","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2548,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":2353,"name":"crispr","slug":"crispr","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2353,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":57,"name":"digital PCR","slug":"digital-pcr","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":57,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":50,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":2545,"name":"dpcr applications","slug":"dpcr-applications","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2545,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":127,"name":"Gene Editing","slug":"gene-editing","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":127,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":16,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":2544,"name":"genome editing research","slug":"genome-editing-research","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2544,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":2546,"name":"precision gene editing","slug":"precision-gene-editing","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2546,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":2547,"name":"rare disease models","slug":"rare-disease-models","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2547,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw","meta":[]}],"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":19447,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/philadelphia-chromosome-like-all-digital-pcr\/","url_meta":{"origin":19235,"position":0},"title":"Unlocking Cancer\u2019s Genetic Secrets with Digital PCR","author":"Behind The Bench Staff","date":"February 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, we explore how digital PCR (dPCR) is transforming leukemia research with Valeria Rangel, a PhD candidate at the University of California, Irvine. Her work focuses on Philadelphia chromosome-like (Ph-like) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a rare, aggressive subtype that disproportionately affects Hispanic populations. By\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Cancer Research"","block_context":{"text":"Cancer Research","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/cancer-research\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/RANGEL-headshot-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/RANGEL-headshot-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/RANGEL-headshot-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/RANGEL-headshot-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19810,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/integration-site-analysis-gene-therapy-safety\/","url_meta":{"origin":19235,"position":1},"title":"Genotoxicity, vectors, and the power of integration site analysis","author":"Ashleigh Barlow","date":"June 23, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Article Summary In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, Michael Stump, PhD, President of ProtaGene, and Matteo Franco, Lead Scientist at ProtaGene, discuss how integration site analysis is helping researchers evaluate genotoxicity risks in cell and gene therapy workflows. Their conversation explores how viral vectors integrate into the genome, why integration\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Gene Editing"","block_context":{"text":"Gene Editing","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/gene-editing\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Matteo Franco, Lead Scientist at ProtaGene, discussing integration site analysis and genotoxicity assessment","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/FRANCO-headshot_Jordan-Ruggieri.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/FRANCO-headshot_Jordan-Ruggieri.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/FRANCO-headshot_Jordan-Ruggieri.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/FRANCO-headshot_Jordan-Ruggieri.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/FRANCO-headshot_Jordan-Ruggieri.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/FRANCO-headshot_Jordan-Ruggieri.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19461,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/grapevine-downy-mildew-fungicide-resistance-detection\/","url_meta":{"origin":19235,"position":2},"title":"Tracking grape pathogens from air to vine \u2013 a conversation with Lexi Heger","author":"Behind The Bench Staff","date":"February 28, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"On the Absolute Gene-ius podcast, Lexi Heger, PhD candidate in Plant Pathology and Molecular Plant Sciences at Michigan State University, explores the molecular detection of grapevine pathogens and how qPCR and digital PCR (dPCR) are transforming plant disease research. Her research centers on downy mildew of grape (Plasmopara viticola) and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Animal Health and AgriGenomics"","block_context":{"text":"Animal Health and AgriGenomics","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/animal-health-and-agrigenomics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Portrait of a smiling plant pathology researcher standing outdoors beside grapevine leaves.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/Heger-headshot-1_Jordan-Ruggieri-scaled.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/Heger-headshot-1_Jordan-Ruggieri-scaled.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/Heger-headshot-1_Jordan-Ruggieri-scaled.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/Heger-headshot-1_Jordan-Ruggieri-scaled.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/Heger-headshot-1_Jordan-Ruggieri-scaled.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/Heger-headshot-1_Jordan-Ruggieri-scaled.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19232,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/early-molecular-relapse-detection-dpcr\/","url_meta":{"origin":19235,"position":3},"title":"Following the Molecular Fingerprints of Cancer with Digital PCR","author":"Behind The Bench Staff","date":"November 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vbta1TG617s For clinical researchers and scientists, the value of a biomarker depends on its accurate measurement and trackability over time. Digital PCR (dPCR) delivers both. At Tata Medical Center, Dr. Mayur Parihar, Senior Consultant in Hematology and Cytogenetics and Clinical Research Scientist at the Tata Translational Cancer Research Center, recognizes\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Cancer Research"","block_context":{"text":"Cancer Research","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/cancer-research\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Pathologist preparing a molecular diagnostic sample in a clinical laboratory to support precision oncology decision-making.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/LC-Blog_Preferred-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/LC-Blog_Preferred-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/LC-Blog_Preferred-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/LC-Blog_Preferred-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19566,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/pcr-inhibitors-digital-pcr\/","url_meta":{"origin":19235,"position":4},"title":"When PCR Gets Dirty – Tackling PCR Inhibitors","author":"Behind The Bench Staff","date":"March 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"In this first Absolute Gene-ius: Science Snapshot episode, hosts Jordan Ruggieri and Lisa Crawford revisit expert insights on one persistent molecular biology challenge: PCR inhibitors. Across wastewater surveillance, environmental microbiology, and gene therapy manufacturing, inhibitors can distort PCR data and complicate quantification. Featuring perspectives from Ray Ketchum, PhD; Sarah Philo,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lab Tips and Tricks"","block_context":{"text":"Lab Tips and Tricks","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/lab-tips-and-tricks\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/Ketchum-headshot.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/Ketchum-headshot.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/Ketchum-headshot.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19776,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/epigenetic-methylation-analysis-qpcr-dpcr\/","url_meta":{"origin":19235,"position":5},"title":"Epigenetics unlocked: How behavior shapes biology","author":"Ashleigh Barlow","date":"May 28, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Article Summary Epigenetics is helping researchers understand how environment, behavior, and molecular regulation intersect. Rather than changing the underlying DNA sequence, epigenetic changes influence how genes are expressed, including when they are turned on, turned off, or regulated in response to biological and environmental signals. In this episode of Absolute\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Epigenetics"","block_context":{"text":"Epigenetics","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/epigenetics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Portrait of Dr. Robert Philibert discussing epigenetics, DNA methylation, and behavioral biomarkers.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Philibert-Photo_Jordan-Ruggieri.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Philibert-Photo_Jordan-Ruggieri.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Philibert-Photo_Jordan-Ruggieri.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Philibert-Photo_Jordan-Ruggieri.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Philibert-Photo_Jordan-Ruggieri.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Philibert-Photo_Jordan-Ruggieri.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/Rubinstein-profile-pic.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/120"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19235"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19235\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19762"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19235"},{"taxonomy":"division","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/division?post=19235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}