The new variant of Covid-19, called Omicron variant or Covid variant Omicron, was first discovered on 11 November 2021 in Botswana, South Africa. Scientists estimate that about 90% of the new coronavirus infections in South Africa are based on this new variant, which may also have spread to eight other provinces. When international travellers began testing positive for the new variant, countries began closing borders on certain routes or taking other measures to restrict travel.…

Introduction Scientists are keeping an eye on a new variant of COVID-19 The Covid-19 Mu or Mu variant. "Although this variant is making headlines, it is not the dominant strain in the United States or anywhere else," says Dr John O'Horo, an infectious disease physician at the Mayo Clinic. "The delta variant is really the predominant strain everywhere at the moment. And while it's important for scientists and public health officials to be aware of…

Due to the increased use of PCR there is a worldwide shortage of 1000ul and 1250ul PCR filter tips that are used for safe handling of DNA and RNA samples. Big distributors like Gentaur had already built up a filter tip stock to continue supplying filter tips to diagnostic and forensic laboratories but this stock is already lacking the large filter tips. Small filter tips are still available. Apparently this will not be sufficient since…

Introduction We are all familiar with genetics or gene, which is made up of DNA. Many young people will have first learned about genetics and DNA from the legendary film Jurassic Park, which talked about DNA and genetics to create dinosaurs. However, humans also have DNA, and for us, it can influence everything around us. Everyone has DNA, and therefore everyone has genes. Genes are the basic physical and functional units of heredity, they are…

What is a virus? According to Peter Crosta (UoI), "viruses are microscopic organisms that exist almost everywhere on the planet. They can infect animals, plants, fungi and even bacteria..... Viruses vary in complexity. They consist of genetic material, RNA or DNA, surrounded by a protein, lipid (fat) or glycoprotein envelope". Talking about viruses can be complicated because each one is different. Some viruses can kill you outright, others make you more vulnerable to other diseases,…

¿What is a Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)? ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a plate-based assay technique designed to detect and quantify soluble substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies and hormones. Other names, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA), are also used to describe the same technology. In an ELISA, the antigen (target macromolecule) is immobilized on a solid surface (microplate) and then forms a complex with an antibody that is bound to a reporter enzyme. Detection…