Welcome back! This is the second article in a Sidebar series where Manolya, Jamie, and I are offering background on common laboratory experiments. Last time, Manolya went over how the number of viruses in a sample can be estimated using a plaque assay. Today, I will be walking you through one of the most fundamental … Continue reading What’s PCR? A Positively Clear Review of a Possibly Confusing Research tool
Author: Deanna Kim
A third-year Molecular Genetics and Microbiology specialist at the University of Toronto with a deep passion for virology, immunology, and the gut microbiota. Broad repertoire of research experience grounded in both fundamental and clinical genetics, ranging from investigation of sex chromosome evolution in plants to genetic causes of the neurodegenerative disorder ALS. A strong interest in empowering others to approach life science with foundational knowledge and a critical eye.
Sidebar: The Facts on Vax
This article was reviewed by Dr. Brett Finlay, one of our subject matter experts. Welcome to the third immunology issue of Sidebar! If you haven’t browsed through my previous articles introducing the two arms of the immune system and going over the battle tactics of B cells and T cells, I would highly recommend you … Continue reading Sidebar: The Facts on Vax
Sidebar: Choose Your Fighter: Ranged, Assist, or Melee?
To recap from last time, we learned that: (1) Immune cells are all derived from a common precursor stem cell in the bone marrow.➪ Many myeloid cells make up the innate immune system.➪ Many lymphocytes make up the adaptive immune system. (2) Innate immune cells are the frontline responders when holding off any invading microbe. … Continue reading Sidebar: Choose Your Fighter: Ranged, Assist, or Melee?
Sidebar: Meet Your Tiny Internal Infantry
Welcome! This is the first Immunology article in the COVID Demystified Sidebar series. Although I’m sure everyone wants to start discussing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development and antibody testing right away, it’s important for us to understand how the immune system actually works in order to grasp these more complex topics. Today’s write-up will cover: The difference … Continue reading Sidebar: Meet Your Tiny Internal Infantry