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Is 16S Sequencing RNA or DNA? Your Questions Answered

In the intricate world of microbiology and bacterial identification, 16S sequencing plays a pivotal role. But a common query often perplexes scientists and enthusiasts alike: Does 16S sequencing target RNA or DNA? This article will unravel the mysteries surrounding amplicon sequencing, exploring its role in bacterial identification, the distinction between 16S rRNA and whole genome...

A Guide To Microbial Growth Stages & Sequential Order

Microbial growth is a dynamic and intricate process crucial for the survival and proliferation of bacterial cells. Understanding the sequential order of microbial growth stages is fundamental for researchers, microbiologists, and anyone delving into the fascinating realm of microbiology.  In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the four stages of microbial growth—lag, exponential (log), stationary,...

IBS, Inflammatory Bowel Disease & the Microbiome

In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating connection between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and the intricate world of the human gut microbiome.  What is the link between these functional gastrointestinal disorders and the microbiome? How does the microbiome and gut flora contribute to the development, management, and treatment of IBS...

The Connection Between Celiac Disease & the Microbiome

Celiac Disease, an autoimmune intestinal disorder affecting an estimated 1% of the population, is characterized by the body’s inappropriate response to gluten resulting in damage to the small intestine. Symptoms range widely, from gastrointestinal distress to nutritional deficiencies, and the only current treatment is a rigorous, lifelong gluten-free diet. The microbiome, on the other hand,...

Illumina Sequencing: Process & Advantages Explained

In the world of genomics, and particularly genomics sequencing, few technologies have had greater impact than that of Illumina Sequencing (also known as a technique called Sequencing by Synthesis (SBS)). By successfully implementing massively parallel sequencing, Illumina Sequencing increased the throughput of genomics sequencing exponentially, propelling the field of genomics into an era of increased...

16S vs Metagenomics: What’s the Difference?

In the captivating world of microbiology, two primary methods have emerged to study the composition, structure, and function of microbial communities: 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and metagenomics. This article will delve into a comparative analysis of these two techniques. We will explore their fundamental principles and methodologies of each sequencing method, before looking...

How Do You Sequence a Microbiome? 5 Steps Explained

Throughout the years, microbiology has continuously pushed the limits to test for, detect, and measure the microbes found in various environments. However, as the questions surrounding microbiology, and the role microbes play in various aspects of life, the methods in which microbes are tested for and measured needed to improve. One of these questions that...

5 Key Benefits of Amplicon Sequencing

Amplicon sequencing has been an integral methodology for microbiologists and microbiome researchers for decades; enabling the generation of whole community analysis of bacteria or fungi in any complex sample.  By amplifying conserved variable regions of either the 16S gene or ITS gene, microbial communities can be differentiated and measured with high sensitivity at relatively low...

The Role of Gut Microbes in Weight Loss

Losing weight is a burden for many while it may emerge as the simplest thing for others. A recent article published in the Washington Post suggests that the reason may be gut microbiome variation.  The article highlights a recently published paper in the Nature Communications journal that challenges the notion that all calories contribute equally...