THE AFRICA RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FUND (AREF) ESSENTIAL GRANT-WRITING SKILLS PROGRAMME MARCH/MAY 2025

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) works to strengthen the health research capacity of scientists in Africa who are engaged in tackling the sub-region’s significant health challenges. AREF is calling for applications from scientists who are active, emerging biomedical/health researchers in African countries to participate in its Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme.   This fully […]

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Research & Proposal Tips & Scholarships links, , ,

BLOTTING TECHNIQUE

Blotting is used in molecular biology to transfer nucleic acids and proteins from gel to a membrane for identification and analysis. Developed in the 1970s, it combines electrophoresis and immunological methods. There are three main types: Southern (DNA), Northern (RNA), and Western (proteins), each allowing detection and measurement of specific molecules.

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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology, Techniques in Microbiology Lab, , , ,

Applications for the third cohort of the WFF Young Scientists Group are now open!

The World Food Forum (WFF) Young Scientists Group (YSG) was launched in 2022 as the core body providing scientific evidence and technical knowledge to the various initiatives of the WFF Global Youth Action initiative, including, but not limited to, the Youth Assembly, Innovation Lab and Education Programme. This support will culminate in the publication of a biennial report on

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WESTERN BLOTTING TECHNIQUE

Western blotting technique or protein immunoblot is used to identify specific proteins separated according to their sizes in an electrophoresis experiment. Protein immunoblot unlike other blotting techniques (e.g. southern and northern blotting) utilizes specific antibodies to identify the protein of interest. It is the transfer of proteins from gel to a matrix or nitrocellulose membrane.

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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology

International PhD Program in Microbiology (Germany) – FULLY FUNDED

International PhD Program in Microbiology Fully Funded PhD Positions Location: Marburg, Hessen (DE) Salary: TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst) Closing date: 31 Jan 2025 Applicants should hold an MSc degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, chemistry, chemical biology, physics, biophysics, or another relevant field. The International Max Planck Research

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NORTHERN BLOTTING TECHNIQUE

Northern blotting technique is used to detect specific sequences of ribonucleic acid (RNA). The protocol for performing northern blotting technique is similar to that of southern blotting technique. Northern blotting technique was first described by James Alwine and colleagues in 1977 as a molecular biology technique for identifying specific nucleotide sequence of a piece of

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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology, , , ,

SOUTHERN BLOTTING TECHNIQUE

Southern blotting, developed by Sir Edward M. Southern in 1975, is a molecular technique used to detect specific DNA sequences. It involves transferring DNA from a gel to a nitrocellulose membrane, followed by hybridization with radiolabeled probes. This method is pivotal in DNA analysis, forensic science, and paternity testing.

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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology, , , ,

STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE

Streptococcus pneumoniae, prevalent in the human upper respiratory tract, causes various infections including pneumonia, often in vulnerable individuals. Its virulence is linked to its polysaccharide capsule, interfering with phagocytosis. Early detection and treatment with appropriate antibiotics and preventive vaccination are vital, especially for high-risk groups like the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

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Bacteriology, , ,

SHIGELLA DYSENTERIAE

Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative, non-motile bacterium causing bacillary dysentery. It’s transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, requiring a low dose to initiate infection. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Diagnosis involves stool cultures, and treatment may include antibiotics for severe cases. Prevention focuses on hygiene and clean water.

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Bacteriology, , ,

TREPONEMA PALLIDUM

Treponema pallidum, a Gram-negative spirochaete, causes syphilis, a contagious STD spread through direct contact, including mother-to-child transmission. The disease progresses through primary, secondary, and tertiary stages without treatment, potentially causing severe complications. Laboratory diagnosis relies on serological tests, as the bacterium cannot be cultured in vitro. Prevention includes safe sexual practices and treating infected individuals.

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