DNA work that actually looks like SyFy

 

It has been a perpetual lament of mine that a DNA lab, even the most advanced genomics-oriented one, does not really look too impressive. A few tiny test tubes, blocky boring-looking machines with maybe just a single blinking light, and absolutely no bubbling colorful liquids in fancy lab glassware. We actually have a microscope - this is very unusual and rarely needed in our work; to be honest, I keep it out on the bench mostly to improve the lab's looks. We don't even wear lab coats most of the time - there is really no danger in what we work with.

This is all about to change! Check out all the awesome ancient DNA gear!!! 

All this is necessary to protect ancient samples from contamination with present-day DNA. This is much more relevant for people who work with fossil human material, of course, but I am sure we have plenty of coral DNA floating about in the lab  from our previous (not ancient DNA) projects. It is not too much of course, but when you use polymerase chain reaction (PCR), it easily amplifies single molecules, so preventing contamination becomes a huge issue. We are very fortunate that we have ancient DNA lab of Deborah Bolnick to collaborate with.