How To: Select a PCR Plate for Your Thermal Cycler

PCR technology is one of the most prevalent yet powerful molecular biological tools at our disposal. Despite our familiarity with the technology, selecting the right consumables for PCR analysis can remain a challenge. We are going to break down the different attributes to help you identify the best PCR/qPCR plastics for optimal performance.

While we provide some selection tips in this article, it’s important to remember that the plate you select ultimately needs to be compatible with your thermal cycler or sequencer. Compatibility with your equipment is the most important consideration when selecting a plate. 

1-     Size

Well Count: PCR plates are available in a range of formats, at Ultident, we sell plates with 24, 48, 96 and 384 wells, however 96 and 384-well plates are the most used in Canada. We also carry perforated plates that can be easily divisible into strips of 8. Regardless o

Research Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

Did you know October is breast cancer awareness month? This year we decided to take a look at the most advanced treatment methods for breast cancer, developed by researchers like yourself. These technological advances not only improve the precision and effectiveness of treatment, but improve the quality of life for patients and offer hope for a cure. 

Before we dive into the latest research advances in breast cancer treatment, it’s important to remember that there is not one standard treatment plan for all who are battling breast cancer. There are multiple factors to considered, such as

1. The stage of breast cancer a patient is diagnosed with
2.  The patient’s age (pre- or post-menopause) 
3.  The status of hormone receptors and HER2 status (The HER2 protein promotes the growth of cancer cells)
4.  The patient’s overall health

After weighing all these

The Importance of Laboratory Science in Schools

For students from kindergarten to high school graduation, hands-on laboratory experience is fundamental to the learning process. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills gained in these experiential learning activities will follow the students long after they've left the classroom, regardless of their career paths. In this month’s blog, we dive into the multiple benefits of laboratory learning in schools. 

1- Seeing is Believing 

Science requires a thorough understanding of matter, life, physical, chemical and biological processes that are not necessarily tangible, or visible to the naked eye. Observing and participating in lab experiments offers a well-rounded comprehension of concepts that can be difficult to grasp, giving access to an otherwise inaccessible knowledge. A well equipped lab with clearly defined learning outcomes increases ease and interest in the learning process for both t

What Are Canadian Scientists Up To? A Look at Ongoing Research Initiative

It seems like every day there is a new breakthrough that pushes humankind to the next level. Whether in regard to public health, technology, vaccines or agriculture, Canada's leading scientists and researchers are continuously innovating and improving the quality of life for all. 

Curious as to what scientists are working on these days ? Here are 5 research programs currently underway in Canada. 

1- AI for Precision Discovery of Associations in Biological Systems 

The associations between complex human diseases (phenotypes) and underlying genetic variations, is the question that drives a great deal of research in life sciences. 

The University of Toronto is working on a project that uses AI technologies to aid in identifying genetic phenotype associations as precisely as possible. The reason this is so important is that genotype and phenotype associations

Laboratory Ergonomics for a Healthy and Safe Workplace

Working in laboratories means we often undergo tasks that require us to be stagnant for long periods of time, sometimes in rather awkward positions. This can unfortunately result in injuries and/or stress disorders that can be persistent. However, having proper laboratory ergonomics readily available is the best way to prevent such injuries from occurring.

What Are Laboratory Ergonomics ? 

Laboratory ergonomic principles were designed to minimize the injuries and stress disorders that manifest as a result of repetitive daily tasks or physically demanding tasks. The three most common ergonomic hazards in labs are; objects, environments and systems. These hazards can cause poor posture, unnatural or uncomfortable movements and difficult working conditions. Exposure to such hazards over a long period of time increases the risk of injury.

Common ergonomic risk factors in laboratories include:

The Evolution of the Microscope

Imagine what the world would look like today if we could only see what was visible to the naked eye? The existence of cells would still be unknown to us, vaccines and medicines would be significantly less effective, and we would have far less understanding of what makes organisms live and thrive. What I just described is the world without the microscope. Let's take a look at how this revolutionary instrument came to be. 

10th Century:

The Romans and Egyptians were the first to experiment and create with glass. They made it using sand, alkali, metal colouring and sodium carbonate, then forming it with seaweed and lime. They would use it to make and sell expensive art with a range of colours, techniques and complex patterns. 

13th Century:

In Florence, Italy, a man named Salvino D’Armato Degli Armati discovered that convex glass makes objects appear larger. With that knowledge, he invented the first pair o

What Is CRISPR and How Is It Being Used Today?

What is CRISPR? 

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a gene modifying function that can be used to heal genetic defects, stop the spread of diseases, and enhance the growth and quality of crops. CRISPR is different from other gene editing technologies since it can change the DNA of animals, plants, and microorganisms with extremely high precision.

How does CRISPR work?

Essentially, CRISPR works by having an enzyme called Cas9 cut up specific parts of DNA, the Cas9 enzyme acts as molecular scissors that are extremely precise and efficient at targeting specific parts of DNA. Researchers are then able to repair, modify or replace it with new DNA that is healthier, or more efficient at solving the problem at hand. This revolutionized many fields as it enabled researchers to not only tweak, but completely change DNA. With the use of CRISPR, there have been significant breakthroughs

Canadian Sustainability Initiatives for a Greener Future

With an abundance of natural resources and spectacular scenery, it's no wonder sustainability is important to Canadians. While we are increasingly embracing sustainability on an individual level, our government has also enacted several measures to protect natural resources for ourselves and future generations. Here are four ongoing sustainability initiatives in Canada that can lead us to a greener future: 

Single Use Plastic Ban

Although Canadians are recycling more than ever, only 9% of plastic is being recycled annually. A new approach is therefore needed to ensure the entire life cycle of plastic can be addressed. Canada's ministry of environment and climate change made a proposal to ban the use of certain single use plastics, which will be brought into force by late 2022. 

The list includes: 

• Checkout bags
• Cutlery
• Food service ware
• Plastic

This Psychology Month, Make Mental Health a Priority 

When one member of society improves their quality of life, it spreads far beyond just themselves. For this reason, Canada has dedicated the month of February to explain how psychology works to help, and to raise awareness about how to protect and improve your own mental health. 

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior of humans. Psychologists apply their knowledge of how we think, act and feel to understand how biological influences, social pressures and environmental factors affect our mental well-being. 

February is Psychology Month. Why Do We Celebrate ? 

Psychology month is a campaign dedicated to showing the impact of psychology on society, and to commemorate the effort of Canadian psychologists who work to improve the wellbeing of many.

COVID-19s Impact On Mental Health 

This year, in particular,

30 Reasons to Choose Ultident Scientific

To celebrate our 30 years in business, we compiled a list of 30 reasons customers like yourself, have made ultident their go-to scientific supplier, year after year. We know the world is full of choices, so thank you for choosing us!

1. We are a local, independent organization with entirely local leadership.
2. We offer quick and reliable delivery across Canada.
3. We have a deep understanding of the Canadian Scientific Market and fully understand our customers’ unique challenges
4. Our territory managers are friendly, approachable and always willing to go the extra mile.
5. All of our products are top quality. Our extensive network of trustworthy suppliers is audited on a regular basis to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of our quality management system.
6. We place customer success at the center of our business practices. Your success is our success.
7. We have extensive experience c