The Lab - Newsworthy Articles and Resources
Most Recent Post
Clean or messy: What your workspace says about you
Is your workspace pristine and clean? Or do coworkers marvel at your collection of half-empty coffee cups and tsk-tsk at the mess you’ve made? As you’ve probably guessed, your workspace can tell a story about your personality.
by Roche Life Science | Career & Lifestyle
Featured Post
Preventing Degradation in Nucleic Acid Samples
Research grants from the National Institutes of Health have become increasingly competitive in recent years, forcing more investigators to search outside the federal organization to obtain critical funds.
by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - DNA & RNA Purification
What to expect when moving from academia to industry
After what may seem like a lifetime spent in academia as a student, postdoctoral researcher, or academic faculty, the grass often looks greener on the other side of the fence. How do you know if moving to the private sector is right for you?
01/01/18 by Roche Life Science | Career & Lifestyle
A day in the life of a researcher
What does an ordinary day look like in the life of a Roche life science researcher? We spoke with Maya Nag, Scientist I, about the joys and challenges of life in research and development at Roche Life Science.
01/01/18 by Roche Life Science | Career & Lifestyle
Preventing Degradation in Nucleic Acid Samples
Millions of biological samples are stored each year for diagnostic, research, or forensic use. The quality and reliability of nucleic acid samples plays a significant role in the success of any test.
01/01/18 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - DNA & RNA Purification
Service and Support: The hidden value of your product purchase
Commitment to your product shouldn’t end when it leaves the warehouse. At Roche, we’re committed to making the most of your purchase, from the day it arrives in your lab until the end of its life span.
01/01/18 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
DNA methylation: Advances in methylomics and the importance of strandedness
The post-human-genome-sequencing era has seen exponential advances in large-scale genomic analyses that have paved the way for systematic evaluation of epigenetic modifications.
05/02/16 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Epigenetics
High throughput screening: A partnership for academics within the pharma industry
Large pharmaceutical companies pioneered high-throughput screening (HTS) for drug discovery in the early 1990s
04/21/16 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - High Throughput
The do's and don'ts of lab fashion [Infographic]
Each lab has its own set of personalities, with traits reflected in some of the world’s most famous and highly awarded scientists. Who is the Einstein in your lab? And which scientist would you be most interested in working with?
03/21/16 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
Temperature gradient vs. homogeneity: How can gradient PCR optimize your qPCR assay?
Optimization of qPCR conditions is essential for maximizing efficacy and reproducibility of your assay.
03/21/16 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Genetic counselors and next-generation sequencing: The clinical implications of NGS patient data
As the wave of NGS clinical genetic applications and availability continues to rise, we must remain aware of the significant challenges to be addre
03/09/16 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Next-Gen Sequencing
Nucleic acid isolation for next-generation sequencing
In this article we will discuss the critical factors involved in the extraction of highly pure RNA or DNA from your experimental samples for NGS library preparation.
02/09/16 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Next-Gen Sequencing
The top 5 challenges for postdoc researchers
Below, we highlight the top five challenges faced by post-doctoral researchers.
02/03/16 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
Top 5 rookie qPCR mistakes and how to avoid them
Optimization of qPCR conditions is essential for maximizing efficacy and reproducibility of your assay.
01/12/16 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
How to make the most of your day in the lab
Nothing beats the excitement and sense of pride of a successful experiment.
12/15/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
What's template got to do with it?
In this article, we will discuss the importance of starting with a high-quality cDNA template for your RT-qPCR experiments and our top tips for how to do so.
12/01/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - DNA & RNA Purification
Standing out from the crowd: Don't fade into the background
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of radioactive versus non-radioactive nucleic acid labeling as well as describe the various options for non-radioactive hybridization methods.
12/01/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
Way to probe
We will summarize the most popular fluorescent probe-based real-time PCR chemistries.
11/02/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Top 5 reasons your qPCR data was rejected: An insider perspective
In this article, we will discuss the top five reasons your qPCR data was rejected and how to combat these pitfalls
10/26/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Putting the 'P' in PCR: A retrospective on Taq polymerase and the evolution of PCR
In this article, we will dive into the rich history surrounding the birth of PCR.
10/22/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
Top 5 tips for lab troubleshooting
In this article, we will discuss our top five tips for troubleshooting your experiments in lab.
10/09/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
Important factors to consider for thermal shift assays
Multiple studies have sought to identify protein stabilizing drugs using thermal shift assays.
09/28/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - High Throughput
At the dawn of methylation
In this article, we will discuss some of the basic principles of DNA methylation as well as highlight recent advances in our understanding of dynamic DNA methylation patterns.
09/25/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Epigenetics
How clean are you? Top 10 tips for optimal sterile technique
Many tissue culture mishaps and headaches are rooted in improper sterile technique methods.
09/25/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
Compare and Contrast: Multiplex vs. Singleplex PCR
Today, in the world of real-time PCR, there remain critical aspects of assay design that must be considered for optimization and to maximize cost- and time-efficiency.
09/19/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Let your data do the talking
Talking about your research is an essential part of being a scientist.
09/09/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
It's all in the mix!
Is your PCR master mix optimized?
09/09/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Should you partner with Big Pharma?
Taking the necessary next steps to translate your research into its full potential can be an arduous and difficult journey without proper financial and infrastructure support.
09/09/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
The top 10 things your post-doc will steal from you
After the honeymoon phase of finishing your dissertation, you begin to experience what many before you have bravely faced, what we like to unaffectionately refer to as "post-doc stress syndrome."
09/08/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life
What are other options for grant funding besides the NIH?
Research grants from the National Institutes of Health have become increasingly competitive in recent years, forcing more investigators to search outside the federal organization to obtain critical funds.
08/12/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
5 must-dos when evaluating a PCR master mix reagent
When it comes to PCR, the success of your assay is dependent upon the quality and reliability of the reagents you use.
08/08/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
The top pros and cons of different RNA extraction methods
Making sure you are getting the most from your RNA isolation procedure is a must.
08/04/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - DNA & RNA Purification
What you need to know about NIH grant writing (preview article)
A successfully funded grant is a blend of thorough preparation, persistent hard work, scientific ingenuity, expert collaboration, strategic planning and just plain good fortune.
07/31/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
What is the fuel in your engine?
The instruments in your lab that you routinely depend upon for their consistent and reliable performance must be treated with the same thoughtful care for the fuel in their engines.
07/22/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Next generation sequencing: Where are we now?
The last decade of advancements in genetic technologies has revolutionized massively parallel DNA sequencing (also known as next- or second-generation sequencing), opening the floodgates for unprecedented scientific inquiry and diagnostic capabilities.
06/29/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Next-Gen Sequencing
The evolution and future of gene expression
Over the past three decades, there have been tremendous advancements in the technical assays of gene expression.
06/26/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Next-Gen Sequencing
The lab decathlon: Are you up for the challenge?
Mastering the skills to succeed in the lab is not unlike those performed on the field.
06/23/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life
The lab decathlon: Are you up for the challenge?
Mastering the skills to succeed in the lab is not unlike those performed on the field.
06/23/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
What would Michael Scott do?
The guiding principles of lab management: Sometimes you just have to ask—What Would Michael Scott Do (WWMSD)?
06/15/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
Kits vs. individual reagents
To kit or not to kit? Chances are, if you have not yet faced this dilemma, you soon will.
05/23/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life
May is National Cancer Research Month
In recognition of National Cancer Research Month, we would like to honor the continued extraordinary efforts made by scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates all across this country who remain dedicated to finding cures for cancer.
05/21/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
How to build effective supplier partnerships
Managing your lab requires constant communication with third party vendors, which means that principal investigators need to learn how to build and maintain supplier relationships.
05/20/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Life Science Procurement
5 great tips for undergraduate researchers
Undergraduate studies are invaluable to development as a researcher.
05/17/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
Tips for researchers working with industry professionals
Now more than ever, the public sector is joining forces with the private industry when it comes to life sciences research.
05/15/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
What Apple and DNA-apps could mean for researchers
Apple is now collaborating with multiple U.S. academic research institutions to launch apps that would let iOS users have their DNA tested, according to a recent MIT Technology Review,
05/13/15 by Roche Life Science | Lab Life
The good, the bad and the ugly of electronic lab notebooks
As an undergraduate or postdoc researcher, it's likely you've come across electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
05/12/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
The good, the bad and the ugly of electronic lab notebooks
As an undergraduate or postdoc researcher, it's likely you've come across electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
05/12/15 by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
Tips for creating an ideal lab personnel team
In a life sciences setting, whether you are a postdoc researcher, principal investigator or undergraduate researcher, you do have some control over picking an all-star lineup in the lab.
05/06/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
What's trending in e-procurement?
You've likely heard this statement at least 100 times before: Technology is changing the way we all conduct business. However, there is a lot of truth to these words, especially in regards to procurement.
05/06/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Life Science Procurement
From lab tech to CSO: 4 steps for navigating your career
Chances are as a new researcher, you are wondering what the best ways to move up in the field of biosciences are.
05/04/15 by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
What do you do? How to answer like a pro
How many times have you been asked, “So… what do you do?” And how many times has your answer been met with a frozen smile and a reply of, “Oh, that’s nice” that stops the conversation dead in its tracks?
by Roche Life Science | Career & Lifestyle
Let Your Data Do the Talking: TED Tips
Do you feel like a natural public speaker? Most people don’t.
by Roche Life Science | Career & Lifestyle
Who is the Einstein in your lab?
Each lab has its own set of personalities, with traits reflected in some of the world’s most famous and highly awarded scientists. Who is the Einstein in your lab? And which scientist would you be most interested in working with?
by Roche Life Science | Career & Lifestyle
Clean or messy: What your workspace says about you
Is your workspace pristine and clean? Or do coworkers marvel at your collection of half-empty coffee cups and tsk-tsk at the mess you’ve made? As you’ve probably guessed, your workspace can tell a story about your personality.
by Roche Life Sciences | Career & Lifestyle
Maximizing ROI with your nucleic acid extraction system
The extraction and purification of nucleic acids is no longer the complicated, labor-intensive process that it once was. See why.
by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - DNA & RNA Purification
The evolution of qPCR: Improving accuracy and reproducibility
It’s been more than three decades since polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology revolutionized the lab and the process is continually evolving. See how.
by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Top 9 reasons why your assay isn’t working
Your PCR assay is one of the most common tools used in your lab. Yet for something you do day in, day out, there will always be those days where nothing seems to be going right.
by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
Ensure reproducibility and repeatability with optimized master mixes
In the life sciences, it’s critical that researchers independently corroborate and validate others’ results. This means that the quality of a lab’s experimental results is only as good as another lab’s ability to reproduce the published findings.
by Roche Life Science | Lab Life - Real-Time PCR
How can you find the right reagent for your needs?
The right reagent ensures that your lab results are consistent, reliable, and reproducible. But there are a variety of reagents to choose from. How do you know if you’re using the right one for your equipment and testing needs?
by Roche Life Science | Everyday Essentials for Research
Got an idea?
We want to hear from you! What are most curious to learn about? What would you like to ask our Roche Scientists? Let your voice be heard!