BioProbes 78

Featured article

Tools for 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture

The commercial availability of large-scale batches of quality-controlled, cryopreserved primary cell types has helped advance the study of brain and nerve function. Also available are improved media formulations specifically developed to increase neuronal survival and enhance maturation of neuronal phenotypes in extended cultures of primary and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, as well as functional probes designed for use with 2D and 3D neuronal cell cultures.

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Watch. Apply. Publish: Five steps for publication quality immunohistochemistry imaging

In this on-demand webinar, Jason Kilgore, Technical Applications Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, walks viewers through each of the steps in an immunohistochemistry (IHC) application workflow—from sample preparation, embedding, and blocking through antibody labeling, mounting, and imaging—and provides specific details and tips to obtain publication-quality images. Because IHC protocols use primary and secondary antibodies, it is critical that the concentrations and conditions be optimized to prevent artifacts, nonspecific background signals, and inadequate target detection. This presenter has firsthand experience developing these protocols and draws upon four decades of IHC product development by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

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Search and find your ELISA kits with ease: The updated ELISA web experience

Our ELISA search tool has been renovated to make it easier than ever to find the right ELISA kit for your experiments. New features include:

• Improved search—just type in the protein target (including synonyms), gene symbol, or analyte
• A search results display that compares kit features side by side, including sensitivity, assay range, sample volume, and time-to-result
• Revised product detail pages with easy-to-find product information

For your next round of ELISAs, try the ELISA search tool

Experience the iWestern workflow: An intelligent start-to-finish western blotting solution

Streamline your western blotting with the Invitrogen iWestern workflow, an inventive take on the decades-long problem of getting the desired results from the often elusive and time-consuming western blot. Each step of the iWestern workflow—from protein separation and transfer to detection and analysis—is addressed with the innovative Invitrogen Mini Gel Tank, Invitrogen iBlot 2 Dry Blotting System, Invitrogen iBind Western Systems, and Invitrogen iBright Imaging Systems. Each of these devices was meticulously developed to optimize processing efficiency, reproducibility, and robustness of results.

Discover the iWestern workflow

The Flow Cytometry Panel Builder—A tool for all flow cytometrists

Whether you are a novice or an expert, designing a panel for flow cytometry is a highly complex process. If you are a beginner, let the Invitrogen Flow Cytometry Panel Builder lessen your panel building anxiety by making the pairing of markers and fluorophores quick and simple using a highly visual format. Are you an expert? Then you will appreciate using the Flow Cytometry Panel Builder to easily review the spectral signals and filters per laser line and check fluorophore spillover values per channel. With access to over 13,000 antibodies for flow cytometry, this tool allows quick identification of antibodies for flow cytometry panels.

Get started building your panel today with the Flow Cytometry Panel Builder

Behind the Bench blog: A1exF5, a novel arginase 1 monoclonal antibody for flow cytometry

The Invitrogen Arginase 1 Monoclonal Antibody A1exF5 recognizes both the human and mouse forms of arginase 1, a 35 kDa cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arginine into ornithine and urea, the final step in the urea cycle. A1exF5 is the only clone commercially available that can detect human or mouse arginase 1, a specific marker for M2 macrophages, by flow cytometry. For more information about the A1exF5 clone, as well as tips on the use of antibody conjugates in multiplex flow cytometry applications, please read the interview with Nicolas Schrantz, Senior Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, who leads the team of R&D scientists responsible for the development of new antibody specificities., at thermofisher.com/arginaseflowblog.

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Access the Cancer Spheroid and Organoid eLearning course

The Cancer Spheroid and Organoid eLearning course is the latest addition to our protein and cell analysis eLearning modules. These free, self-paced, animated courses include knowledge checks and practical application exercises, as well as downloadable course materials and relevant supplementary resources. Our newest release is a two-part course presenting a succinct, contextual overview of spheroid and organoid culture techniques and applications for modeling organ physiology and disease. These interactive modules cover methods for analyzing 3D culture models using various imaging modalities including high-content analysis.

Access the free, on-demand Cancer Spheroid and Organoid eLearning course

Available for on-demand viewing: The 3rd annual 7 Steps of Protein virtual event

The 7 Steps of Protein virtual event offers both broad and in-depth content that is designed to give you the information and insights you need to empower your protein research every step of the way. You will receive firsthand knowledge of the latest technologies, as well as tips and tricks for 7 protein research application areas—protein expression, protein isolation and purification, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, protein assays and analysis, mass spectrometry, and protein crosslinking.

Watch the 3rd annual 7 Steps of Protein event

Download the Bioconjugation Technical Handbook

Now available for download, the Bioconjugation Technical Handbook provides helpful information and resources for the crosslinking, immobilization, modification, biotinylation, and fluorescent labeling of proteins and peptides. This 72-page handbook describes the chemical reactivity, molecular properties, and applications of bioconjugation reagents, while also providing detailed information on chemical structures, spacer arm length, and more. In addition, a glossary, reference list, and information on digital selection tools are included. Use this guide to find the right bioconjugation reagent for your application.

Download your free copy of the Bioconjugation Technical Handbook

The 2018 winners of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program

Over the past several years, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program has awarded $400,000 in scholarship funds to 60 deserving undergraduate and graduate students in the field of biological research. The goal of this program is to ensure that well-educated students are prepared for future scientific research, teaching, and technological development opportunities. We receive applications from students across the United States who show a passion for science and learning and have a wide variety of interests and achievements in science. The Fall 2018 scholarship winners are:

• Rachael Adams, The Ohio State University
• Shannon Esswein, California Institute of Technology
• Veeraj Shah, University of Maryland
• Christopher Thang, University of Houston
• Jeffrey Zhou, Yale University

Read more about the antibody scholarship program and this year's recipients