Mentors at Your Benchside Bitesize Bio

#103 — DNA sequencing is a fundamental technique in modern molecular biology that has revolutionized the study of genes.
In the old days, Maxam–Gilbert sequencing was the method of choice, but it has mostly been replaced by Sanger sequencing and Next-Generation methods.
Yet, it still has some niche uses, and in the historical context of DNA sequencing, it’s hugely important!
So, in this episode, learn about what Maxam–Gilbert sequencing is, why it lost popularity, and why some researchers still use it today.
Check out the corresponding article to see if you can read a Sanger sequencing gel and decipher the final amino acid code. [1] And check out our primer on the Sanger sequencing method to learn why it was so advantageous over the Maxam–Gilbert method. [2]
Resources:1. Maxam–Gilbert Sequencing: What It Is and 3 Modern Applications. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/36696/maxam-gilbert-sequencing/2. Sanger Sequencing: How the Genome Was Won. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/27985/sanger-sequencing-genome-won/

#102 — Fluorescence microscopy images not only look great but also allow us to get a better understanding of cells, structures, and tissues. And confocal laser scanning microscopy lets us construct 3D images from 2D micrographs.
In this episode, learn the basic principles of confocal laser scanning microscopy, how the microscopes work, and some of its applications in bioscience and beyond.
Check out the corresponding article for a handy confocal laser scanning microscope diagram. [1] Learn about the Airy unit [2] and check out our guide to choosing a fluorescent protein for your experiments. [3]
Resources:1. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Explained In 3 Easy Steps. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/19958/confocal-laser-scanning-microscopy/2. Rubbing Your Microscope’s Eyes: A Guide to Optical Resolution. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/13415/rubbing-your-microscopes-eyes-a-guide-to-optical-resolution/3. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Fluorescent Protein. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/54287/choosing-a-fluorescent-protein/

#101 —  Discover what it takes to become an expert at getting funded, from simple habits such as summarizing what you read in the literature, to big steps such as organizing your very own conference to establish your name in your field.
With over 30 years of experience as a biomedical engineering researcher seeking grants, Joel Berry, Founder, and Chief Scientist at Astound Research, shares his hard-won insights on strategizing your approach to seeking grants. [1] Take a listen to what he has to say.
If you're struggling to keep up to date with the literature in your field, read our tips for staying on top of new publications [2] and get more grant writing advice from a grant reviewer! [3]
Resources:1. How to Become an Expert at Getting Funded. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/77308/how-to-become-an-expert-at-getting-funded/2. Useful Tips to Keep on Top of New Literature. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10532/search-engines-for-literature-searching/3. What I Learned as a Grant Reviewer. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/30909/learned-grant-reviewer/

#100 — Science attracts so many different and quirky personalities that you are bound to have some people you just don’t get along with. Conflicts happen, and there are many strategies you can take to deal with conflict in the lab. But when your lab supervisor is the problem, it can be a big issue for you.
In this episode, delve into the challenges of dealing with difficult lab supervisors. [1] We identify five common problematic personality traits: passive-aggressive, manipulative, unfocused, micro-manager, and negative reinforcement. Listen and explore practical strategies for addressing each type while remaining professional and constructive.
Check out our related article for further advice on dealing with conflicts in a busy research lab. [2]
Resources:1. Five Types of Difficult Lab Supervisor and How to Handle Them. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/1540/6-types-of-bad-boss-and-how-to-handle-them/2. Dealing with Tension and Conflict in the Lab. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/27373/dealing-tension-conflict-lab/

#99 — So you’ve got your flow cytometry training booked and are one step closer to that precious data.
But if you want to hit the ground running and get some useful data from your samples, there are some little things you'll need to do.
These include reading up on a bit of background theory, understanding the capabilities of different types of cytometers, and thinking about what you want to learn from your experiment.
In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, we've compiled cytometry training advice from a core facility manager to help you get the most out of your training sessions and early experiments. [1]
While you are here, why not learn about the components inside cytometers and what they do? [2] Plus, take a step towards fully understanding your data and explore the difference between forward scatter, side scatter, and their corresponding plots. [3]
Resources:1. Seven Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Flow Cytometry Training. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/75182/flow-cytometry-training/2. Demystifying the Flow Cytometry Optics System: A Peek Under the Hood. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/31638/flow-cytometry-optics-system/3. Basic Parameters Measured by a Flow Cytometer: What is Scattered Light and Absolute Fluorescence? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/25310/basic-parameters-measured-by-a-flow-cytometer-what-is-scattered-light-and-absolute-fluorescence/

#98 — Our labs can contain thousands of chemicals, many of which will be past their given expiry date and many of which are expensive to buy and replace.
Replacing them when you don't need to can be a waste of time and grant money. On the other hand, using expired chemicals can lead to failed experiments and confusing results. 
In this episode of Mentors At Your Benchside, learn what types of chemicals are safe to use past their expiry date, which ones you should probably throw out, and why.
Read out the corresponding article for a handy summary table. [1] And while you're diving into reagents, why not check out the different types of antibiotics in molecular biology? [2]
Resources:1. What Reagents Can You Use Past Their Chemical Expiry Date? Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/74311/chemical-expiry-date/2. Antibiotics Used in Molecular Biology. Available at: https://bitesizebio.com/10288/antibiotics-used-in-molecular-biology/