NEBinspired blog

RNA research has translated into RNA-based clinical therapeutics. Unfortunately, post-IVT reaction components removal and purification steps are a real slog in RNA manufacturing. The constraints motivated Dr. Craig Martin's lab to rethink how IVT systems could be designed from the ground up.

Plastics are an undeniable burden in the life sciences, but scientists can switch to greener, more sustainable products, like Monarch nucleic acid purification kits. In this blog, learn how Monarch offers a more sustainable solution while maintaining high quality and affordability.

Cell-free dbDNA provides a fast, enzymatic method for producing high-quality DNA without bacterial fermentation required with plasmids. By simplifying workflows and reducing impurities, it shortens development timelines and accelerates RNA and DNA therapeutic programs from design to clinic.

Choosing the right restriction enzyme is a critical first step of in vitro transcription for mRNA vaccine and therapeutic production. This post discusses key factors that influence enzyme choice and explains how careful selection supports efficient IVT, reduces unwanted by‑products, and enables scalable, compliance‑ready mRNA manufacturing.

Annealing temperature is a critical parameter that can determine PCR specificity and yield. Some workflows benefit from a single thermocycling protocol across numerous primer sets. NEB scientists evaluated the benefits and limitations of using a universal annealing temperature to achieve robust amplification across diverse targets.  

This post highlights the advantages, considerations and comparisons of postbac, postdoc and internship experiences for those developing careers in the life sciences, and shares helpful insights from our student internship coordinator and one of our postdoc fellows.

Read about a new decentralized workflow from NEB researchers that's redefining how scientists synthesize genes. By combining data-optimized design with advanced assembly techniques, this approach delivers sequence-verified constructs in as little as four days—at a fraction of the traditional cost. With faster turnaround, higher fidelity, and fewer external dependencies, this workflow enables researchers to conduct complex gene synthesis projects more efficiently and at greater scale, supporting broader access to advanced synthetic biology methods.

DNA damage is an inevitable consequence of biological processes and environmental exposure. Many types of DNA damage result from exposure to various chemicals, physical conditions, aging, or manipulation. From oxidation to deamination, modified bases can lead to mutagenic effects that put organisms at risk of disorder and disease.

Metabarcoding can take a panoramic view of biodiversity from complex environmental DNA samples and accurately inform us about individual species. Learn how Nattanon Meeprom, Ph.D., surmounted sample challenges to accelerate data collection as part of a research team evaluating Saudi Arabian ecosystems.

Cell-free protein synthesis workflows avoid several limitations associated with in vivo protein expression systems. Paired with the right assembly design tools, CFPS workflows can efficiently take you from design to protein purification while saving time and permitting high throughput. 

Learn how lyophilized beads are reshaping diagnostics and research by providing a stable, ready-to-use reagent format that overcomes cold-chain and handling challenges while streamlining workflows. Through optimized freeze-drying processes and automation-friendly design, these ambient-stable beads ensure robust assay performance and reduced waste. NEB Lyo Sciences' expertise in freeze-dry protocols and custom solutions empowers both laboratory research and field-based testing.

Genomics is a field where technological advancements continuously and rapidly reshape the landscape, necessitating faster and better reagents for faster and better libraries. This is the origin story of the NEBNext UltraExpress library prep kits for DNA, FS DNA, and RNA – innovative solutions designed to meet sequencing demands with unparalleled speed, accuracy and efficiency.

Learning strategies to improve sustainability and protect nature is a great way to celebrate Earth Day. New England Biolabs (NEB) offers the Labconscious website as a resource for biologists to find green lab tips and follow sustainability trends in lab operations and biotechnology. 

For over 40 years, NEB has provided scientists with high-quality reagents and customized solutions. We offer larger quantities of catalog products, custom formulations & packaging, and lyophilization to meet unique needs. Our collaborative approach and commitment to sustainability make us a trusted partner in advancing molecular biology research.

The 2024 Passion in Science Arts and Creativity Awardees expand scientific expression and communication through innovative methods to create science-focused art. Take a look at the work of the four award recipients and read about their artistic processes in our newest blog post.

This year's Passion in Science Awards® celebrated scientists improving lives. Adewunmi Akingbola tackles hepatitis in underserved communities, while Dylan Pillai advances malaria diagnostics for pregnant women. Their work demonstrates the power of science to create a healthier world.

The two Environmental Stewardship Award recipients for the 2024 Passion in Science Awards inspire greener lab practices through their work and resources. Learn about how they are promoting more sustainable science in this blog.

The five Scientific Mentorship and Advocacy Award recipients for the 2024 Passion in Science Awards spark scientific inspiration and education through their efforts. Read about their work to shape the future of science in this blog.

Golden Gate Assembly is a versatile, one-step cloning method frequently used for the modular and hierarchical assembly of DNA into large constructs. This article aims to demystify Golden Gate, explains when and how to use it, and gives you everything you need to add this valuable method to your molecular biology toolbox.

Read about how Afrigen Biologics, supported by the WHO, are addressing global vaccine inequity by empowering developing countries with mRNA vaccine production capabilities. Through local manufacturing initiatives and extensive training, Afrigen is fostering sustainable vaccine development to address regional health needs and improve global health security.

Selecting the exonuclease that meets your application needs is easier with NEB's technical insight and user-friendly selection tools. Drawing from our long history in enzymology and solutions for basic research and applied scientific development, we're sharing answers to some common questions about exonucleases and providing the resources you can use for successful exonuclease selection.

Learn how glycerol-free reagents transform molecular diagnostics by enhancing assay accuracy, efficiency, and global reach. Transitioning to glycerol-free formulations overcomes existing limitations, enabling better lyophilization and automation.

Key strategies for enhancing your DNA extraction process from agarose gels—boost purity and increase yield with expert tips!

Claudia Gonzaga-Jauregui, Ph.D., discussed how underrepresentation undermines health equity when it comes to genomics in an NEB-hosted seminar and podcast episode. As of the time of writing, over 93% of genome-wide association studies had European ancestry, highlighting the lack of diversity. Focusing on her work, this blog breaks down some of the efforts to bridge the health equity gap in Mexico and Latin America as a whole.

Expert tips for troubleshooting plasmid DNA purification with miniprep kits. Learn steps for better yield and purity, featuring the Monarch® Spin Plasmid Miniprep Kit.

Explore our blog post on the latest collaboration between NEB® and Reforest the Tropics in Costa Rica. This project is pushing the boundaries of reforestation, implementing innovative high-altitude strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Join us in learning about this crucial step towards a sustainable future.

Strategies for mRNA IVT templates, synthesis, capping and tailing, and purification that can streamline scale up or scale out for regulated markets.

Type IIS restriction enzymes play an important role in molecular biology, and are critical for the molecular cloning technique Golden Gate Assembly.

Library preparation using DNA extracted from FFPE samples is challenging. Our enzymatic solutions enable full utilization of FFPE samples for genetic analysis.

Hear about how NEB scientists have rewritten the rules for Golden Gate Assembly of large multi-fragment targets - using Data-optimized Assembly Design (DAD) and modified protocols they have assembled the entire T7 bacteriophage genome from 52 fragments.

Bioinformatics and computational biology relate to the analysis, interpretation and application of the data collected through biological research. In this blog post, we explore bioinformatics applications to genetic sequencing and the ways proximity between molecular biologists and bioinformatic scientists accelerates progress, amplifying research and product development impacts.

Site-directed mutagenesis methodologies have evolved from complex and time-consuming multi-day workflows to more efficient and streamlined protocols. In this blog post, we have compiled tips, tools and valuable insights from our scientists to maximize your efficiency and ensure your success.

The Robb Lab at NEB collaborates with both academic and industry researchers in their mission of discovery.

The 2022 Genes in Space competition winner, Pristine Onuoha, developed a space-ready DNA assay that could detect length differences in DNA, which has implications for bio-monitoring DNA changes in astronauts. Her experiment is set to launch to the International Space Station in June 2023.

Learn about how Indigo Arts Alliance have created a space that fosters connections between underrepresented Black and Brown artists, and how their collaborations embrace the shared history and experiences of the African diaspora.

NEB Passion in Science Award® Winner and vaccine researcher Dr. Peter Hotez shares how low-cost vaccine biotechnology is being used to expand COVID-19 vaccine production globally, the urgency of opposing anti-science rhetoric, and insights from his new book Preventing the Next Pandemic: Vaccine Diplomacy in a Time of Anti-science.

Can a biotech be a B Corp™? Yes! Learn about eco-friendly actions taken by New England Biolabs that helped the company earn B Corp certification.

Some misconceptions about lyophilization may prevent researchers from taking full advantage of its benefits. New England Biolabs Lyophilization Sciences™ Ltd. has extensive experience lyophilizing reagents for life science research and applied and diagnostics projects. In this blog post, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions our scientists are asked.

The Carlow lab's research and development of new field-friendly diagnostics for infectious disease is empowered by the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. A recent collaboration shows LAMP's merits for monitoring mosquitoes for the EEE virus.

This blog will walk you through how to identify nearby programs that can introduce students to future careers in biology related fields.

Read about the difference between retroviral reverse transcriptases and group II intron-encoded transcriptases and why one is a better choice for cDNA synthesis from long transcripts.

NEB researcher Katie Bilotti Ph.D. shares how deep characterization of end joining reactions reveals that ligase choice is vital for optimizing DNA assembly reactions, and more.

This blog post gives guidelines and resources to help researchers get started with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).