What’s PCR? A Positively Clear Review of a Possibly Confusing Research tool

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

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