In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Aistė Serapinaite, an experienced R&D scientist, shares her insights into the world of 1-Step RT-PCR—a method that simplifies RNA analysis by combining reverse transcription and PCR amplification in a single reaction. She explains how traditional RNA workflows once lengthy, multi-step processes were prone to errors and contamination, and how 1-Step RT-PCR has transformed this landscape with speed, efficiency, and fewer handling steps.

Listeners learn about the technical workings of 1-Step RT-PCR, including the importance of primer design, RNA quality, and essential controls to ensure reliable results. Aistė highlights the Invitrogen SuperScript IV UniPrime One-Step RT-PCR System, emphasizing features like universal annealing temperatures and high sensitivity, capable of detecting even trace levels of RNA.

The episode also explores diverse applications, from gene expression studies and cancer biomarker detection to monitoring viral pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. While acknowledging the limitations of 1-Step RT-PCR—like the inability to archive cDNA for future assays—Aistė affirms its role as a fast, robust, and eco-friendly solution for high-throughput molecular biology labs. Whether you're new to molecular workflows or an experienced researcher, this episode offers valuable tips and tools to optimize your RNA experiments.

Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:

• See how one-step RT-PCR is used for amplicon-based viral genome sequencing
• View a video on the differences between one-step and two-step RT-PCR
• Access the Oligo Perfect Primer Designer tool
• Order or check out the brochure for Invitrogen SuperScript IV UniPrime One-Step RT-PCR System
• Order Invitrogen ezDNase Enzyme

Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague. 

Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Dr. Beth Webb takes us deep into the world of platelets, often misunderstood components of blood that punch far above their weight in both physiological and pathological processes. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Leeds, Dr. Webb explores how endothelial signals influence platelet activity, and how these anucleate cell fragments play roles not only in clotting, but also in immune responses, inflammation, and diseases like cardiovascular disorders and COVID-19.

Beth unpacks the technical challenges of isolating and analyzing platelets—particularly in RNA sequencing and qPCR—while stressing the importance of sample purity and the presence of platelet subpopulations. The conversation also touches on the hope of personalized medicine through platelet-based diagnostics and tailored antiplatelet therapies.

Beyond the lab, Dr. Webb is an active science communicator, sharing tips on engaging broader audiences through social media, blogs, and video. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, creativity, and starting small when communicating science. Whether you're a cell biologist, a hematology enthusiast, or a fellow communicator, this episode offers something for everyone.

Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague. 

Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Laurynas Alijošius shares a personal story that every molecular biologist can relate to—running PCR, cloning, and sequencing, only to discover frustrating errors in the DNA.

This episode dives deep into PCR accuracy and why it matters for everything from sequencing to cloning and long-read library prep. Laurynas breaks down the major contributors to PCR error, including the fidelity of DNA polymerase, primer design flaws, template impurities, and suboptimal cycling conditions. He then offers a range of solutions—like switching to high-fidelity enzymes, using ready-to-go master mixes, and optimizing magnesium ion concentrations. He also explains how reducing cycle numbers and fine-tuning annealing temperatures can minimize unwanted amplification and ensure more reliable data.

Whether you're troubleshooting or proactively optimizing your workflow, this episode is packed with tips and tools to help you increase PCR accuracy, reduce costs, and save time. Episode notes contain links to enzyme comparisons, primer design tools, and cycling guides to help you PCR with precision.

Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:

• Thermo Scientific web tools for primer design and analysis, and more
• The PCR Learning Center with lots of helpful tips and information
• Learn more about PCR reagents and enzymes
• Browse and purchase PCR enzymes and master mixes
• Access the PCR troubleshooting guide
• Download the molecular biology handbook

Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague. 

Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.