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DNA & RNA Learning Center |
DNA and RNA extraction is a process used to isolate and purify genetic material from biological samples, such as tissues, cells, blood, or other bodily fluids. This procedure involves breaking down cell membranes and nuclear envelopes to release nucleic acids, followed by the removal of proteins, lipids, and other contaminants to obtain a pure sample of DNA or RNA. DNA extraction provides a wealth of information about the genetic makeup of an organism, including the presence of specific genes, mutations, and genetic variations. This information is important for a wide range of applications, such as genetic testing, forensic analysis, disease diagnosis, and research on genetic disorders and evolutionary biology. By analyzing extracted DNA, scientists can understand genetic relationships, identify hereditary conditions, and develop personalized medical treatments.
Nucleic acid research applications and techniques
Tips for organizing your lab bench
Keeping an organized lab bench when performing molecular biology research experiments is important for maintaining efficiency and accurate results. This video covers tips and tricks for how to organize and maintain your lab bench, from proper placement of essential lab supplies, to the prevention of cross-contamination between samples.
- Place protective equipment within reach
- Label all equipment and lab supplies
- Organize pipettes based on use case
- Have plates and petri dishes ready for use
- Keep enzymes, buffers and reagents ready for use
- Have waste receptacles within arm’s reach
Latest in lab automation
Trends in lab automation include the ability to accelerate automation in research where laborious and repetitive steps can be a bottleneck, the option to scale up or down with demand as well as versatility of lab space for flexible applications, and a movement towards optimizing end-to-end workflows. Below are resources on automated sample purification methods that can help labs save time and valuable resources.
Resources
Magnetic-bead based sample preparation
This technology selectively retains target molecules while eliminating non-target substances. To accommodate different throughput requirements and research objectives, there are an extensive range of magnetic bead-based solutions.
Selection tool
KingFisher kit, reagent and protocol selection tool
Utilize our selection tool to identify the appropriate magnetic bead-based kit for your automated sample preparation. These kits are capable of purifying nucleic acids, proteins, cells, and exosomes from diverse sample types.
Article
6 reasons to automate nucleic acid research
Automated sample preparation has filled a gap that occurred when the volume of labs processing samples skyrocketed starting in 2020. But as the volume of samples requiring nucleic acid extraction and analysis grew, labor shortages occurred.
Video
Discover KingFisher Apex Automated DNA Purification
This new instrument combines automation technology for sample handling and robust safety features, reducing the bottleneck in sample processing and supporting increased throughput, consistency, and reproducibility of results.
Lab automation technologies for nucleic acid extraction
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) purification solutions
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) purification resources can help researchers make their next breakthrough. View our collection of webinars, eBooks, and articles on the topic of plasmids.
Video
Automated purification with KingFisher PlasmidPro
KingFisher PlasmidPro Maxi Processor is an innovative instrument to help researchers automate plasmid DNA purification and increase efficiency.
eBook
Free up your plasmid purification workflows
Discover where the future of plasmid purification is headed. Learn how innovative technologies can increase efficiency and explore actionable strategies to optimize your lab's workflows.
Article
Plasmid Kit Sizes: Applications in Scientific Research
Read about the four main prep sizes including plasmid miniprep, plasmid midiprep, plasmid maxi prep, plasmid megaprep and plasmid gigaprep. Choose the correct kit size based on your needs and application.
Infographic
Enhancing plasmid purification
The future of plasmid DNA isolation and research is moving towards automation. Thermo Fisher Scientific is helping drive the next era of plasmid purification. Our infographic details how we are enhancing plasmid purification using automation or traditional manual techniques with improved technology.
Effective DNA extraction techniques
Oncology and liquid biopsy solutions
The field of oncology is constantly evolving with new technologies. As advancements continue, researchers seek reliable multi-analyte approaches to study cancer. Discover solutions supporting the isolation of nucleic acids, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, and protein biomarkers to help support your cancer research.
Multi-analyte isolation solutions for liquid biopsy biomarkers
Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising area in the oncology field. As advancements continue to unfold, researchers are seeking reliable multi-analyte methods to study the heterogeneous mix of biomolecules within liquid biopsy samples. Thermo Fisher Scientific supports this endeavor with comprehensive oncology research solutions, including robust sample preparation tools and automated technologies to help advance cancer research from discovery to diagnostic development.
eBook
Synergetic Biomarkers: Fueling Advancements in Cancer Research
Genetic biomarkers can reveal insights into cancer predisposition, response to targeted therapies, and immunotherapy response. Greater amounts of high-quality DNA and RNA help deliver more robust and sensitive results from advanced genetic analysis methodologies.
Infographic
Optimizing liquid biopsy workflows from sample preparation to analysis
Learn about efficient sample preparation and analysis methods supporting from liquid biopsy analyte extraction to molecular, protein, and cell analysis. Discover automated technologies that can enhance the consistency and reproducibility of your workflow.
Related web page
Sample preparation for cancer research
Explore resources to inspire your cancer research and discover sample preparation solutions tailored to genetic and protein biomarkers important for tumor molecular profiling, enabling workflows from discovery to clinical translation.
Related web page
Liquid biopsy prep & analysis
Advance your oncology and liquid biopsy research with comprehensive solutions designed to help deliver reliable, consistent results from prep to analysis, supporting from discovery through diagnostic development.
Starting your human microbiome research
Human microbiome research is the systematic investigation into the composition, structure and function of microbiota found in the human body. The human microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists and viruses and researchers use extraction and analysis tools to better understand a target microbe. Learn how to start your microbiome research with nucleic acid extraction articles and videos.
eBook
eBook: The Human Microbiome Frontier
A variety of factors, including diet and lifestyle, can influence our human microbiome and have positive or negative impacts on an individual’s health. Learn how to go from sample to analysis in this free eBook.
Video
Mapping the Journey of Dr. Christopher Mason through the world of Microbiome
See the exciting journey through time and space with Dr. Christopher Mason. Learn where it all began and how he has taken his research to space and back.
Article
Microbiome Q&A with Bio-Me
To learn more about the power of PMP, we sat down with a scientist from Bio-Me for a Q&A. We discuss gaps in microbiome analysis, and how Bio-Me is closing them.
Article
The Human Microbiome: New Frontiers in Medical Research
The human microbiome is a community of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses that live in the human body, a topic with many unknowns and fascinating complexity.
Infectious disease research includes scientific studies on bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Scientists in this field work towards the development of diagnostic tests, treatment therapies, vaccine development, and innovative ways to combat these types of pathogens. Pathogens are bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
To fully address infectious disease research at scale, new solutions were necessary. Below you can find information and resources that help scientific communities reach a future beyond Sars-CoV-2. Reducing the spread of highly infectious and deadly diseases within the population requires viral surveillance and vaccine development. See how Thermo Fisher Scientific scientists address modern vaccine research and development workflows.
Resources
Infectious Disease Research Resources
Understanding the host cell response to a pathogen can include large-scale omics and discovery approaches, targeted identification of important cells and proteins involved in the immune response—all beginning with optimized preparation of your starting sample.
Webinar
Innovations in Vaccine Research
Thermo Fisher Scientific scientists host webinar on vaccine platforms and attributes. Listen as they discuss breakthroughs in research and development in relation to SARS-CoV-2.
eBook
A Complete “How-To” Guide for Saliva Collection and Testing
This complex biofluid plays a critical role in human physiology and disease pathophysiology. To gain a better appreciation for saliva and its growing use, download our eBook, A Complete “How-To” Guide for Saliva Collection and Testing.
Application note
Evaluation and characterization of microorganisms for STIs
Evaluation and characterization of microorganisms that cause STIs and vaginal disease to support research in syndromic effects for individuals at high risk of contracting STIs. Accurately detect a wide variety of sexually transmitted pathogens.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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