Flyceum: Your Science. Your Career.

We’re following in the tradition of open discussions among scientists that has resulted in important advances in both science and society.

Making DNA Look Simple

exon-intron graphic makerBiologists, especially people doing genetics, often want to show a diagram of a gene they’re studying, separated into its various parts (e.g. exons and introns) and displayed in a clear, intelligible way. Perhaps even more importantly, they want to include this picture in a publication, which means that it shouldn’t get blurry when it’s printed or magnified on a screen. I recently made a simple web app that helps biologists make these pictures, which I call the Exon-Intron Graphic Maker.

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BioKM Interview: Online Lab Management

BioKM Founder Jonathan GrossManaging experiments, data and projects can be a challenge.  Luckily for us, people like Jonathan Gross, Founder of BioKM are working on solutions to solve these exact problems.  We caught up with Jonathan to find out why he started the online lab management service, what they’re working on next and where he sees research 10 years from now.

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How to Perform a Semi-dry Transfer

All it takes is a little paper cut on your pinky to be reminded of exactly how many times you use the finger that you most certainly have forgotten about.  For the next day or two, you will have a renewed respect for the distal digit and realize that in fact it’s a pretty productive member of the hand afterall.

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How to Leave Academics, Balance Life and Publish Papers

Dear Dora: How to Leave Academics, Balance Life and Publish PapersIn this month’s installment, you put Dora to the test with some great questions!  Thanks for all of the submissions over the last few weeks!  Since we’re tackling three questions a week we can’t get to every question each month.  So if we didn’t get to your question this time, keep an eye out for our future issues where it will likely show up!

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Managing Our Social Media Obsession

Social Media Obsession 4Fresh off of the news that we’ve added a host of new options for connecting to BenchFly, we’re reminded of the extent to which the social media beast affects our lives these days.

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How to Clean a Rotovap

This protocol is great for three reasons:

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Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Lab Apathy?

Lab ApathyAlmost all projects go through a natural ebb and flow of motivation.  When things are going well, it’s full-steam ahead.  But when things start to get rocky, it can get ugly.  Should you notice any of these early warning signs of Lab Apathy in yourself or a friend, get to the nearest vacation immediately…

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How to Behave Around the Boss

Behave around boss“If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.”  – John Gotti

Trust us, you didn’t want to be fired by John Gotti.  Let’s just say he did not pay unemployment…

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Cotton Trick for Column Chromatography

Great techniques don’t have to be expensive or expansive.  They’re often clever solutions to routine problems and this Technique of the Week is no exception.

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Take a 90-second Break, You’ve Earned It

ballot box2As you may have noticed, there is a new addition to the “Sponsored By” section of the site.  In the spirit of election day next week, we thought we’d take the opportunity to ask you to cast a few votes of your own.

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