One of my roles at BioTek is “Lab Manager” of the Applications Laboratory. No I’m not a manager to any personnel, but rather I manage the lab facilities. While an unappreciated endeavor, every lab needs a manager. In the smallest of labs, (i.e. one person), the scientist is also the manager. In very large labs they often will have a person, often referred to as “The Guy”, solely dedicated to the management of lab facilities. Most laboratories have someone in the middle, where one person, either formally or informally, is in charge of the day to day operation of the lab. This is the case here at BioTek, where my main role is that of an Application Scientist, but I am also the Lab Manager. While the job is not without its headaches it is also a lot of fun.
The role Lab Manager is a cross between an accountant and an auto mechanic. Besides maintaining some sort of lab budget and expense ledgers, one also is responsible for instrument repair and maintenance. Besides coordinating equipment usage among different researchers (including myself), the lab manager has to purchase, find space and install new equipment. This lets me get my hands on everything in the lab and for a gadget person that is almost as good as sliced bread. Even the mundane portion of the role of lab manager, such as ordering of supplies has an upside in that you have your finger on what everyone in the lab is doing.
Coordinating schedules is the most daunting of tasks. Routine maintenance of equipment, which often takes things off line, has to be coordinated with everyone’s ever changing need for that equipment. Installation of new equipment may require the interaction of scientists, electricians, plumbers, movers, and facilities personnel. Sometimes it has the feeling of trying to herd cats. But all is forgotten when you fire the new piece of equipment up for the first time. Just like a getting a birthday or a Christmas present.
Even with the best of preventative maintenance, equipment fails from time to time. Failure of instrumentation always seems to take place at the most inconvenient of times, often at night. Either it takes place when that device is most needed by the lab or when you have a number of other equally important tasks to finish. Despite the annoyance caused by equipment down time, getting things back to normal provides a sense of accomplishment (and relief) for getting the job at hand done.
Over the years I have noticed that Lab Manager by committee does not seem to work. Regardless of the size of the lab that I have worked in; I’ve found that it is always best that one person plays this role. In the case of the BioTek Application lab, I’m glad it’s me.
By Paul Held, Laboratory Manager
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Science to the Layperson
Every few years conversations with my wife of 11 years turn to the topic of what it is that I do for work. Generally this is a result of her having a social conversation with an inquisitive colleague or friend and invariably ends with her admitting to “no clue”. Now, one would think that someone who has been with me since my working various positions at a hospital as a premed hopeful, through a graduate program in cellular and molecular biology, and the last 5 years working in industry, most recently in the role of applications scientist, would at least be able to rattle off a few key points from my endeavors. However, this is not the case. Sure she can throw around words like cells and proteins (which is generally part of the standard issue hand-waving response) and maybe even throw in the more recent microplates and reader aspects of my current role. But the fact remains there is a real gap in the understanding of what most scientists do, regardless of their field of interest or role, and how it relates to the real world as seen from the perspective of the layperson. I must confess that many of us are to blame for the current disconnect that exists. I have been scolded by said spouse on numerous occasions for talking “way over the head” of many a tentative ear (especially my 6 year old son).
Over the years I have polished up a few introductory sentences that have served me well to answer the often asked question, “So, what do you do for work”. I believe it was a professor that once told me of the powerful acronym KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid (likely to save them from having to read lengthy hand-waving rhetoric on exams). Regardless, maintaining an awareness of the audience being addressed can significantly increase the possibility of a successful dialogue and interpretation by a layperson. While this is certainly not a new idea, it is gaining considerably more attention given the high costs associated with medical and health care and prescription medications. How many individuals are aware of the staggering cost (estimated at over $1 billion) to bring a single new drug to market? Or, as mentioned in a previous post on Scientifically Speaking, the inherent dangers of experimental treatment with stem cells being offered in healthcare facilities in many countries? This issue will continue to become ever more relevant as the ease with which information is accessible continues to grow. It remains the responsibility of those presenting scientific information to insure it is presented in a manner in which the target audience is clear on its interpretation.
Over the years I have polished up a few introductory sentences that have served me well to answer the often asked question, “So, what do you do for work”. I believe it was a professor that once told me of the powerful acronym KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid (likely to save them from having to read lengthy hand-waving rhetoric on exams). Regardless, maintaining an awareness of the audience being addressed can significantly increase the possibility of a successful dialogue and interpretation by a layperson. While this is certainly not a new idea, it is gaining considerably more attention given the high costs associated with medical and health care and prescription medications. How many individuals are aware of the staggering cost (estimated at over $1 billion) to bring a single new drug to market? Or, as mentioned in a previous post on Scientifically Speaking, the inherent dangers of experimental treatment with stem cells being offered in healthcare facilities in many countries? This issue will continue to become ever more relevant as the ease with which information is accessible continues to grow. It remains the responsibility of those presenting scientific information to insure it is presented in a manner in which the target audience is clear on its interpretation.
Monday, January 16, 2012
21st Century Snake Oil?
Most people are familiar with “patent medicines” which refer to elixirs of questionable medical effectiveness. Patent medicine is particularly associated with the 19th century, where these elixirs were sold with myriad colorful names and even more colorful claims. The term “Snake Oil” originates with a topical preparation made from the Chinese Water Snake (Enhydris chinensis) used by Chinese laborers to treat joint pain. “Snake Oil” has become synonymous with all medicines of dubious authenticity and therapeutic effect.
It was interesting to note the indictment of Vincent Dammai, an assistant professor in the department of pathology and laboratory medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, last week. He and others are accused of operating a ring that offered unauthorized stem cell treatments for cancer, Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. It appears this is not an isolated case. A month ago, the International Society for Stem Cell Research reported that it was "very concerned" that stem cell therapies are being sold around the world before they have been proven safe and effective. Is stem cell therapy destined to be the 21st century “snake oil?”
It was interesting to note the indictment of Vincent Dammai, an assistant professor in the department of pathology and laboratory medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, last week. He and others are accused of operating a ring that offered unauthorized stem cell treatments for cancer, Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. It appears this is not an isolated case. A month ago, the International Society for Stem Cell Research reported that it was "very concerned" that stem cell therapies are being sold around the world before they have been proven safe and effective. Is stem cell therapy destined to be the 21st century “snake oil?”
Friday, December 16, 2011
Big Blue Bear Looks in on ASCB 2011
What is that animal peeking into the lobby of the Colorado Convention Center…a bear? Yes, it is! The 40-foot high blue bear is the creation of artist Lawrence Argent and since it was installed in 2005 has become an icon in the Mile High City.
From December 3 - 7, the city of Denver welcomed more than 4,000 scientists for the annual American Society of Cell Biology. The theme of this year's meeting was "The science of life, the life of science". Highlights included symposia presented by leading cell biologists, thousands of posters featuring fresh research, member-organized special interest groups and an exhibition full of suppliers demonstrating the latest technology and techniques for today's modern lab.
BioTek's booth featured a Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, an Epoch Micro-Volume Spectrophotometer System and an EL406 Combination Microplate Washer Dispenser. The EL406 is often used throughout cell-based assay workflows to automate processes such as cell dispensing, media aspiration, media exchanges, cell washing and reagent addition. Although meeting attendees had to bundle up with snow on the ground and temperatures as low as -7° F, the nearly continuous Denver sunshine was enjoyable to all.
Next year's event will move to San Francisco, a historically favorite ASCB location, and take place from December 15 - 19.
By Jason Greene, Senior Product Marketing Manager
From December 3 - 7, the city of Denver welcomed more than 4,000 scientists for the annual American Society of Cell Biology. The theme of this year's meeting was "The science of life, the life of science". Highlights included symposia presented by leading cell biologists, thousands of posters featuring fresh research, member-organized special interest groups and an exhibition full of suppliers demonstrating the latest technology and techniques for today's modern lab.
BioTek's booth featured a Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, an Epoch Micro-Volume Spectrophotometer System and an EL406 Combination Microplate Washer Dispenser. The EL406 is often used throughout cell-based assay workflows to automate processes such as cell dispensing, media aspiration, media exchanges, cell washing and reagent addition. Although meeting attendees had to bundle up with snow on the ground and temperatures as low as -7° F, the nearly continuous Denver sunshine was enjoyable to all.
Next year's event will move to San Francisco, a historically favorite ASCB location, and take place from December 15 - 19.
By Jason Greene, Senior Product Marketing Manager
Monday, December 5, 2011
Cell-Friendly Microplate Instrumentation
With more and more assays running on live cells, new instruments have to be ever more cell-friendly. For example, BioTek's new Synergy H1 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader includes features such as gentle orbital shaking, a high-precision temperature control system or a high-definition area scanning feature to better accommodate cell-based assays. Shaking is important for cell-suspensions, where non-adherent cells need to be maintained in suspension during the length of the assay. Precise temperature control across the entire microplate prevents common edge effects and ensures proper growth and assay condition uniformity. And high-density area scans (up to 9,800 data points per well, see screen capture below) allow controlling signal uniformity during assay development. All other automated instruments are under pressure from the same assay trends: BioTek's washers have evolved to provide very gentle washing parameters to wash loosely adherent cell cultures. BioTek’s newest dispensers have been specifically designed to be used in laminar flow hoods to automatically seed microplates. BioTek’s team keeps the pulse on what is new in research labs and is focused on providing microplate instrumentation that fits your needs... and keeps your precious cells happy!
By Xavier Amouretti, Manager, Product Marketing
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99x99 area scan of a well of a 24-well plate with cells labeled with Calcein |
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
2011 AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) held its annual meeting from October 23-27. Approximately 9000 attendees and exhibitors gathered in Washington D.C. for the 2011 Meeting and Exposition. The society and meeting focus on every stage of bringing a new drug to the market. This includes drug discovery, development, formulation, and delivery method. Therefore, this meeting brought together a number of researchers and exhibitors covering areas such as CRO and service providers, manufacturing equipment vendors for encapsulation, particle analysis, sample prep, as well as reagent and instrumentation providers. BioTek was looking to demonstrate the capabilities of its instrumentation to be used in the higher throughput methods typically incorporated in the pharmaceutical industry. To that end, we presented three posters showing research in biological formulation studies, drug metabolism, and cytotoxicity using high density plate formats.
An opening Keynote Address to the conference was given by Janet Woodcock from the FDA, entitled "FDA-The Next 25 Years". Her talk focused on current and future trends that will affect not only the FDA, but the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. An initial point was the call in the industry for less regulatory controls by the FDA. It has been shown that drugs can be approved by European or Asian regulatory agencies faster than by the FDA, which can cause delays in product launches in the US and therefore delays in the recouping of development costs for that drug by the company. Another important point was the rise of developing countries in the market. Most pharmaceutical development at the current time takes place within countries that have adapted ICH (International Conference on Harmonisation) guidelines. However, many countries not currently under the ICH blanket are now beginning their own drug development industries. This will force regulatory agencies within the US, EU, and Japan to be part of a larger, more global group of regulators. In addition, there will also be a need to pressure these countries to adapt ICH guidelines to maintain common practices within the industry as a whole. The hope of regulators within the FDA is to become a leaner, more efficient agency in the future that is able to make faster decisions, using more complete data sets. This will put the emphasis back onto the industry to continue to develop better testing methods to generate the most in-vivo-like data as possible, to expedite the decision process.
By Brad Larson, Principal Scientist and Jared Amuan, Field Applications Specialist
An opening Keynote Address to the conference was given by Janet Woodcock from the FDA, entitled "FDA-The Next 25 Years". Her talk focused on current and future trends that will affect not only the FDA, but the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. An initial point was the call in the industry for less regulatory controls by the FDA. It has been shown that drugs can be approved by European or Asian regulatory agencies faster than by the FDA, which can cause delays in product launches in the US and therefore delays in the recouping of development costs for that drug by the company. Another important point was the rise of developing countries in the market. Most pharmaceutical development at the current time takes place within countries that have adapted ICH (International Conference on Harmonisation) guidelines. However, many countries not currently under the ICH blanket are now beginning their own drug development industries. This will force regulatory agencies within the US, EU, and Japan to be part of a larger, more global group of regulators. In addition, there will also be a need to pressure these countries to adapt ICH guidelines to maintain common practices within the industry as a whole. The hope of regulators within the FDA is to become a leaner, more efficient agency in the future that is able to make faster decisions, using more complete data sets. This will put the emphasis back onto the industry to continue to develop better testing methods to generate the most in-vivo-like data as possible, to expedite the decision process.
By Brad Larson, Principal Scientist and Jared Amuan, Field Applications Specialist
Thursday, October 20, 2011
17th North American ISSX Meeting
The International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX) held its annual meeting from October 16-20. Approximately 750 attendees and vendors gathered in Atlanta, Georgia for the 17th North American Meeting. The society and meeting concentrates on the examination of the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), as well as toxicity of drugs and lead compounds currently going through the drug discovery process. For a number of years, intense focus has been on the potential that these drugs may have to induce or inhibit the activity of primary and secondary drug metabolism enzymes, including Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UGT enzymes, as well as drug transporters. These effects may lead to adverse drug-drug interactions (DDI) when a patient is also taking a drug that is metabolized by an induced or inhibited CYP enzyme. Much research has been done to detect these potential adverse interactions before the clinical testing phase or before a drug reaches the market. BioTek is striving to simplify this research, and presented a poster demonstrating how hepatocyte-based CYP inhibition assays can be easily automated in 384-well format. The poster was well received, showing the continued importance of this research area, and the need for appropriate automation of these types of assays.
A new topic that was discussed in a short course, as well as in multiple podium presentations was the fact that certain biological therapeutics have the ability to suppress the activity of CYP drug metabolizing enzymes, thereby also leading to potential adverse DDI. Since biologics (Ex. Monoclonal antibodies, etc.) typically have different methods of clearance from the body than small molecule drugs, it was thought that DDI between these two classes of drugs would not be a concern. Even though the percentage of interactions is lower than between two small molecule drugs, the potential still exists within this drug class. It is likely that more will be identified as the number of biological therapeutics in the marketplace continues to grow. This is yet another example of how interconnected and complex the human body truly is. It will be interesting to monitor further research in this area at future ISSX, as well as other conferences.
By Brad Larson, Principal Scientist
A new topic that was discussed in a short course, as well as in multiple podium presentations was the fact that certain biological therapeutics have the ability to suppress the activity of CYP drug metabolizing enzymes, thereby also leading to potential adverse DDI. Since biologics (Ex. Monoclonal antibodies, etc.) typically have different methods of clearance from the body than small molecule drugs, it was thought that DDI between these two classes of drugs would not be a concern. Even though the percentage of interactions is lower than between two small molecule drugs, the potential still exists within this drug class. It is likely that more will be identified as the number of biological therapeutics in the marketplace continues to grow. This is yet another example of how interconnected and complex the human body truly is. It will be interesting to monitor further research in this area at future ISSX, as well as other conferences.
By Brad Larson, Principal Scientist
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