Two recently released iPhone and iPad apps—Promega’s updated version of its lab resource app and Bio-Rad’s Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE qPCR) app—provide researchers with useful information and tools at the flick of their fingers.
The Promega app provides reference information and tools for researchers, including a biomath calculator for quick calculations and conversions of melting temperatures, molarities, dilutions, and DNA and protein concentrations. The app also includes a restriction enzyme tool that lists enzymes by name or recognition sequence, along with compatible buffers.
Bio-Rad’s new MIQE qPCR app also comes equipped with lab tools including extensive qPCR reference information and checklists that allow researchers to ensure MIQE compliance for their qPCR experiments.
“qPCR is a common lab technique used by most life science researchers today, but not everyone conducting PCR is using the technique in a way that ensures its correct interpretation,” said Rachel Scott, Bio-Rad senior product manager. “As a result of misinterpretation of qPCR data, significant scientific conclusions have been retracted for inaccuracies.”
Developed by real-time PCR (qPCR) experts Michael W. Pfaffl, professor of molecular physiology at Technische Universität München, and Afif Abdel Nour, associate professor of nurigenomics at the Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais, the MIQE qPCR app helps researchers achieve accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility in their qPCR experiments by allowing them to monitor MIQE compliance via color-coded checklists and progress bars. The app also provides expert advice through direct links to MIQE-related publications and email addresses of qPCR experts.
Both the Promega and MIQE qPCR apps are available for free download through the iTunes app store.
