Speaking of Mol Bio

• Unlocking phagocytosis―a look at advanced cancer immunology

  In this inspiring episode, Dr. Felipe Gálvez-Cancino, group leader at Oxford's Center for Immuno-Oncology, walks us through his team’s groundbreaking research on macrophages, T cells, and immune regulation in solid tumors. Tracing his path from early cancer vaccine work to advanced antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), Felipe shares how his team is working to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages to more efficiently eliminate cancer cells.He explains how regulatory CD4+ T cells suppress both T cell and macrophage responses within tumors and how removing that suppression can supercharge phagocytic function. We also hear how his lab is leveraging mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma, clinical samples, and modern molecular biology techniques (like in vivo liver transfection and CRISPR-ready plasmid engineering) to study intratumor heterogeneity and antigen spreading.Felipe also reflects on the value of early molecular biology training—like mastering gigapreps—and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, persistence, and collaboration in scientific careers. Whether you’re interested in cancer biology, immunotherapy, or just passionate about translating discoveries into new therapies, this episode offers both technical depth and motivational insight. 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.

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• From seed to cDNA―lessons learned from plant RNA workflows

  In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Dr. Will Barnes, a plant biologist turned senior sales training specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, reflects on his time at the bench and the molecular lessons learned along the way. Will dives deep into the difficulties of RNA work in plant systems—carbohydrate contamination, genomic DNA carryover, secondary structure—and how these hindered everything from cloning and expression analysis to sequencing and qPCR.Through real-world anecdotes, he explains how high-quality reagents and systems helped him troubleshoot and resolve recurring issues, ultimately saving time and improving data reliability. He advocates for prioritizing upstream steps like RNA integrity and reverse transcription fidelity instead of chasing fixes at the end of the workflow.Listeners will leave with a deeper appreciation for the critical role of sample prep in molecular biology workflows and why investing in better tools pays off in cleaner data, greater confidence, and fewer headaches. Will’s experience is a relatable reminder that smarter choices lead to better science.Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:Learn about molecular cloning workflows and Gateway cloning solutionsExplore a variety of resources on reverse transcriptionTaqMan vs SYBR Chemistry for Real-Time PCRUsing MagMAX kits for automated nucleic acid extractionLearn more about, or order,SuperScript IV VILO Master MixExplore RNA/DNA quantification solutions, including Qubit and Nanodrop instruments----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Limited time promotional offer – Be one of the first 75 listeners to spend $500 and get 40% off all eligible reverse transcriptase, plastics, enzymes, and cloning reagents. Visit thermofisher.com/sombpromo for full detailsEnter promo code CAZDUA in the U.S.A.Enter promo code CZ7F19 in Canada 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.

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• Seeding scientific equity through access

  In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, host Steve Lewis speaks with Dr. Melissa Wu, co-founder and CEO of Seeding Labs, a nonprofit that’s redefining global scientific access. Dr. Wu shares the inspiring story of how Seeding Labs helps institutions in developing nations build research infrastructure by redistributing surplus laboratory equipment from partners like Thermo Fisher Scientific.With an innovative model that connects equipment donors in the global North with universities and institutes across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Seeding Labs enables groundbreaking science in places where opportunity is limited but talent is abundant. Dr. Wu highlights examples like the Malawi University of Science and Technology, whose graduates are now staffing the country's first hospital microbiology labs, and a Beninese research team using donated PCR equipment to improve the yield of indigenous crops like the miracle berry.More than a logistics operation, Seeding Labs is also fostering scientific networks, reversing brain drain, and giving researchers confidence, courage, and agency. Dr. Wu offers a compelling vision of an equitable global scientific ecosystem, and shares how listeners can get involved—whether by donating equipment, funds, or simply spreading the word. 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.

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• Customization is key―tailoring RT-qPCR for modern assays

  In this Mol Bio Minutes mini-episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Agnė Žiupkaitė takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of RNA assay development—focusing specifically on 1-Step RT-qPCR. She outlines the critical considerations for assay developers, including enzyme speed, robustness, and the growing demand for customizable reagents that meet both technical and regulatory needs.Highlighting Thermo Fisher’s SuperScript reverse transcriptase family—particularly the Lyo-ready SuperScript III Flash RT—Agnė explains how innovations in enzyme design have broken past bottlenecks in assay workflow, enabling reverse transcription in under a minute. She also explores the power of customization, from labeling and fill formats to enzyme formulation changes and glycerol-free options that support microfluidic platforms and lyophilization.Agnė offers practical insight into how raw material suppliers can serve as collaborative partners, not just vendors. She emphasizes the importance of commercial rights, scalability, and regulatory readiness when sourcing components for commercial assay kits. Whether you're an OEM kit developer or a scientist building the next molecular breakthrough, this episode is packed with actionable insights to improve efficiency, reliability, and speed.Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:Learn more about raw materials for molecular diagnosticsOrder Lyo-ready SuperScript III Flash TranscriptaseVisit this page to expand your knowledge of reverse transcription 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.

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• Quantum barcoding and the future of single-cell analytics

  In this episode, host Steve Lewis sits down with Giovanna Prout, President and CEO of Scale Biosciences, to explore how Scale is pushing the boundaries of single-cell omics. With a career that spans roles with big players and entrepreneurial ventures, Giovanna brings a unique perspective to the world of genomics innovation.Giovanna dives into Scale's patented Quantum Barcoding technology—a high-throughput, combinatorial indexing approach that allows researchers to process millions of cells and thousands of samples simultaneously, all without the need for specialized instrumentation. She explains how this flexible, automation-friendly platform is opening doors for AI-driven data modeling, large-scale drug screening, and highly diverse patient cohort studies.Beyond the science, Giovanna reflects on her leadership journey, emphasizing persistence, servant leadership, and a passion for making a difference in life sciences. She also shares the vision behind the 100 Million Cell Initiative, a bold collaboration that empowers scientists to dream big without constraints. For early-career scientists, Giovanna offers candid advice on working hard, staying curious, and believing in the impact of their work. 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.

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