Life Science Tools of the Trade

I just signed up for a sample of new and improved TAQ from Roche. The claim is improved specificity. We shall see. I am always skeptical of “new and Improved” anything but when I know the sales rep I will often give it a shot. I’m having a terrible time trying to PCR a spliced vs. unspliced version of a gene (post-transcription, post splicing, post RT so yes, it is PCR not RT). I think the small intron is the problem, allowing the primer to sit down specifically on the 5′ end and then just kind of “stick” semi-specifically at the 3′ end.
Update: The world’s best dNTPs are still on the shelf. Thanks Bioline. I’ll get to those real soon. I promise. Really.

Thoughts on SAB: HOT or NOT?

NOT!

The number of posts about the “scientific” longevity field far surpass the interest of the members. The stream of longevity sewage often makes reading SAB painful. In spite of Tamara’s warning the same relentless self-promotion of mainly review articles published in low impact journals continues. Note: Letters to the editor are neither publications or research.

Enough of that. I feel I am preaching to the converted.

Music: Chuck Berry “His Best, Vol II”
Book: Midnight at the Dragon Cafe by Judy Fong Bates
Concert of the week: Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. One of the worst shows I have seen. Too much talking, too much ego, the sound wasn’t good, the crowd seemed bored, the band seemed irritated.
Science mood: hyper$h*++Y
Food of the week: carnitas. Pork marinated in milk and orange juice and then sauted until almost crunchy. Thanks Rafael.

Time to mow the lawn.