SAB NewsWinner of the "Protein Microarrays" Study AnnouncedPosted 9/29/2005 As protein arrays have become increasingly consistent and reliable, more scientists have recently begun to incorporate them into their proteomics experiments. Researchers are attracted by the technology’s ability to detect protein expression quicker and easier than traditional approaches such as 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. A study, sponsored by The Science Advisory Board, examined the most critical factors related to protein microarray performance as specified by 675 current and future protein microarray users. A summary of their best practices and insights is presented in the SAB "Study Snapshots" webpage. As a token of our appreciation, study participants were entered in an additional drawing for a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com. We are excited to announce that Malathi, a Post Doctoral Fellow from the United States, was the contest winner. When asked to provide a comment to the following question, "Imagine that it is the year 2025 and government funding for biomedical research has just about dried up. Resourceful scientists are looking to support their research through novel and creative means. Your Challenge: Just like athletic shoe companies, life science suppliers have begun signing scientists to endorse their products for lucrative contracts. You are applying for one of these contracts to a company that sells protein microarray products and want to distinguish yourself from all the other applicants. Please describe how you would encourage other scientists—especially those who have NEVER used a protein microarray—to use this company's products." Malathi replied: "In order to endorse a companies protein microarray products I would like to be satisfied with the product myself in the following aspects: 1. Extensive technical support-a knowledgeable base of support personnel who can answer questions such as the source of the protein on the array, any post-translational modifications, full-length protein or partial fragment etc. 2. Reliability and reproducibility between arrays. 3. Ease of handling and minimal equipment required for use of arrays. 4. A rigorous and transparent method of read-out for describing results." SAB Member comments to the bonus question will be posted on The SAB Web site shortly. Congratulations to everyone who made this study possible. The Science Advisory Board provides opportunities for its members to earn honoraria each and every time they participate in SAB-sponsored studies. Interested in finding out more? Please visit: http://www.scienceboard.net/about/participate.asp. |
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