Futures in Biotech 5

In this episode, we talk about how microarrays are revolutionizing biomedical sciences. Just ten years ago, all genetic and biochemical experiments were performed on a scale of one to a few genes (DNA) or proteins at a time. Now with the advent of microarrays, hundreds of thousands of DNA or protein samples can be analyzed in parallel experiments (side by side on a chip) in a matter of hours. Where once we could only determine whether or not the expression of a single gene was turned on or off using a technique called northern blotting, the dynamic interplay of an entire genome in response to environmental cues or disease states can be monitored in a single experiment. We are slowly transitioning to a new era of individualized medicine, where preventive or therapeutic approaches will be tailored specifically to each individual.

For more details, visit Marc Pelletier's blog at http://futuresinbiotech.blogspot.com/.

Thanks to Cachefly for providing the bandwidth for this podcast, and to Will Hall for our theme.