Special Focus Issue - Celebrating 40 Years of Publishing Lab Techniques: Looking Back to Look Foreword

BioTechniquesVol. 75, No. 3 ForewordOpen AccessSpecial Focus Issue - Celebrating 40 years of publishing lab techniques: looking back to look forewordBeatrice Bowlby, Tristan Free, Annie Coulson, Aisha Al-Janabi, Ashling Cannon & Ebony TorringtonBeatrice BowlbyFuture Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK, Tristan FreeFuture Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK, Annie CoulsonFuture Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK, Aisha Al-JanabiFuture Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK, Ashling Cannon https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9673-3118Future Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK & Ebony Torrington *Author for correspondence: E-mail Address: etorrington@biotechniques.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6549-7383Future Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UKPublished Online:19 Sep 2023https://doi.org/10.2144/btn-2023-0081AboutSectionsView ArticleSupplemental MaterialPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail View article Welcome to the 40thanniversary issue of BioTechniques, where we're celebrating 40 years of publishing laboratory protocols and methodologies. In this Foreword, we will visit the history of the journal, take a peek at the articles featured in this anniversary issue and highlight some of the groundbreaking advances in laboratory techniques that have happened over the past 40 years.Launching in 1983, BioTechniques is the peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing original laboratory methods. For many years, the journal was found on coffee tables in laboratories across the United States and used by many researchers at the bench to reproduce experiments detailed in the journal. Since then, BioTechniques has evolved into an internationally renowned, open-access journal, with a global readership and authorship. In 2018, BioTechniques was acquired by Future Science Group and has continued to serve many areas of life sciences, publishing novel laboratory methods and detailing experiments at all scales, from nanoscale technology to industrial-sized machine builds.In 2021, BioTechniques appointed a new Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Itano (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA). For this issue, we spoke with Itano about the importance of publishing laboratory methodologies, who comments "Publishing laboratory protocols is critically important for increasing accessibility and accuracy and rigor in research. Not only are these publications instrumental in training new scientists, but also in enabling collaboration between experts in different fields, both of which are incredibly important in increasing the impact of science and research."BioTechniques follows an Open Access publishing model and is proudly affiliated with BioRxiv and Protocols.io to increase the visibility and accessibility of laboratory protocols published in the journal [1,2]. We believe open science and accessibility are incredibly important for education and research and are core values of the journal, which is why we support authors across the globe who qualify for Research4Life with their Open Access fees. "Open Access publishing is critical to enabling dissemination of new ideas, research findings and techniques, which in turn generates increased interest, creativity and accessibility in science", Itano highlights.Alongside our journal, we are partnered with BioTechniques.com, which offers complementary content for our audience in the form of news, podcasts, interviews and webinars [3]. Always looking to evolve and provide our audience with valuable content, we recently launched LEARN, a section dedicated to early career researchers filled with resources to support them in their careers. Created with guidance from our panel of LEARN mentors, this includes career and mentorship advice, tips for getting your work published (and noticed), as well as how-to guides for the methods used in the lab. "I love how BioTechniques continues to adapt and grow to fill the needs of the scientific community and can always count on learning something new from each article, news highlight, podcast and editorial piece," Itano comments. "I'm especially excited at the ways in which BioTechniques is focused on increasing access to mentorship and support for early career researchers with the establishment of BioTechniques LEARN content and mentors."Putting the spotlight on the Editorial BoardFor this Special Focus Issue, we interviewed forensic scientist Bruce Budowle regarding his influential work at the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI; Washington DC, USA) and the Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (TX, USA) [4]. Budowle's exceptional career began with pioneering efforts in developing genetic marker systems to identify individuals using biological evidence found at crime scenes during his extensive 26-year tenure with the FBI. Transitioning to academia, he assumed the role of Director at the Center for Human Identification, focusing on the vital task of missing person identification. Now retired, Budowle's commitment lies in expanding the capacity for DNA forensics research in Africa. As one of our longest-standing Editorial Board members, Budowle reflects on the evolution of BioTechniques since his involvement began in 1983. This enlightening interview showcases the remarkable contributions Budowle has made to the field of forensic analysis.We also spoke with Jennifer Waters, Director of Nikon Imaging Centre and Cell Biology Microscopy Facility (Harvard University, MA, USA) [5], about her career journey from research to building microscopes. Waters has always been interested in education and in this interview discusses a project she is currently working on with Itano, developing an online education program for students to learn more about microscopy. The program will contain a comprehensive list of topics with short videos and online tests to allow students to experience different avenues of microscopy.We had the privilege of interviewing Peter Gresshoff, a plant developmental geneticist at the University of Queensland (Australia), renowned for his work on gene networks involved in nodule formation in legumes, particularly soybeans [6]. Gresshoff discussed the implications of his research in addressing global food demands and environmental concerns, including exploring the potential of Pongamia pinnata as an energy crop for biodiesel production and its benefits compared to soybeans. He also shares his perspective on the future of plant biology, anticipating advancements in understanding complex plant systems and increased recognition of the importance of plants in agriculture and the environment.Western blotting: in reviewThis issue features a Review covering the origins of western blotting, its underlying principles, a step-by-step protocol and its diverse applications [7]. Additionally, it sheds light on the lesser-known, yet impactful, challenges encountered in the field of western blotting, offering troubleshooting strategies for common issues. This Review serves as an all-inclusive primer and guide, designed to assist novice researchers embarking on western blotting studies, and caters to individuals seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the technique or aiming to enhance their experimental outcomes.Genome assembly: in reviewFinally, we round off this issue with a Review that explores how recent advancements in genome sequencing and analysis have opened up new possibilities for understanding the biology of Armillaria species, which are known for causing root and stem rot in woody plants, impacting agriculture and forestry worldwide [8]. The article evaluates the methods and samples used in Armillaria genome projects, introduces infographic guidelines and a database of resources to aid future research, summarizes key findings from genomic studies, and outlines potential directions for further research. Importantly, the insights gained from this work have broader implications for the genomics of other diploid and dikaryotic fungi.40 years of technological developmentsAs we celebrate 40 years of BioTechniques, it seemed fitting to note that we share this ruby anniversary with one of the most impactful and ubiquitous lab techniques used to date: PCR. Both born in 1983, the fledgling technique, invented by Kary Mullis, grew and flourished alongside the equally green BioTechniques, which has covered and informed our readers on the latest developments in PCR every step of the way [9].Despite this close relationship between the journal and PCR, BioTechniques' tradition of charting the development of lab techniques, both old and new, expands well beyond those involving polymerase. To commemorate this, we have compiled an infographic covering the history of key techniques in the life science lab and their development over the last 40 years, which is featured in Supplementary File 1. Here, we have selected our highlights – a genuine challenge – from this infographic and the last 40 years of technical development in the life sciences.One aspect that leaps out of the infographic is how often these technological developments lead to the highest accolade in science – a Nobel Prize. From the 10 techniques that we have chosen to track, five Nobel Prizes feature across four of the techniques.The first of these is for contributions to the electron microscope and the scanning tunneling microscope in 1986, awarded to Ernst Ruska (Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany) and to Gerd Binning and Heinrich Rohrer (Zurich Research Laboratory, Switzerland) respectively. Next, the invention of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance received a Nobel Prize, with the award going to Richard Ernst (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland) in 1991. Shortly after, in 1993, Karey Mullis was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his involvement in the development of PCR, sharing the prize with Michael Smith (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada). The remaining Nobel Prizes include those awarded in 2014 for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy and in 2020 for the foundational work on the CRISPR genome editing technique. Offering a simple and effective method for researchers to conduct specific gene editing, this Nobel Prize commemorates the technique that has induced the biggest paradigm shift in the life sciences since the invention of PCR, which has revolutionized numerous fields, from therapeutic design to tissue and disease modeling.A few developments may challenge this title, however. The development of spatial biology, documented throughout our infographic, has revolutionized the way that we can analyze and visualize data, making it far simpler to draw conclusions regarding the causal links between and functions of cells within tissues.The advent of single-cell sequencing, helping the field of genetics move away from the ensemble averages of genetic data relied upon in the past, and long-read sequencing, which has facilitated more accurate genome assembly and investigations of structural variation and non-coding regions of DNA, may seem conspicuously absent in the infographic. However, both will feature in more detail in next year's update of our History of DNA Discovery infographic, to celebrate 80 years since the identification of DNA as the source of hereditary traits and cell properties.Another fast-developing area in the life sciences, and the most recent to receive recognition from the Nobel Committee, is the extraction and analysis of DNA from ancient samples. This field has led to fascinating insights into the evolution and migration of humans and other organisms. With 59 publications in the last 20 years, this is a topic that BioTechniques frequently publishes papers about this topic. These publications include a Benchmark from the lab behind the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to Svante Pääbo (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany). This Benchmark is about the DNA extraction technique that formed the foundation of the numerous studies that led to the award [10].As a team, we cannot wait to see which of our papers will lead to the next groundbreaking development in the life sciences.Here's to another 40 years of publishing lab techniquesWe would like to thank our valued Editorial Board members, contributing authors, peer reviewers and readers for the continued support and collaboration as we publish the latest cutting-edge laboratory methodologies and techniques. We look forward to the developments that are yet to come, which will define and inspire the next 40 years of researchers, and generations after that."I am honored to be Editor-in-Chief of BioTechniques and part of the team that has been creatively working to increase accessibility and visibility of novel laboratory methods, techniques and tools," concludes Itano.There are many opportunities to be featured both in the journal and on BioTechniques.com, whether in an interview, opinion piece, a podcast or video. Please get in touch with Managing Editor Ebony Torrington (etorrington@biotechniques.com) to find out more. We are preparing for our next Special Focus Issue due to be published in 2024 and welcome any suggestions you may have for content in the journal.We hope you enjoy the Special Focus Issue celebrating our 40th Anniversary as much as we have enjoyed creating it.Supplementary dataTo view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.future-science.com/doi/suppl/10.2144/btn-2023-0081Author contributionsAll authors contributed equally to the writing of the manuscript.Financial disclosureThe authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.Competing interests disclosureEbony Torrington, Tristan Free and Ashling Cannon are employees of Future Science. The authors have no other competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.Writing assistanceNo writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.Open accessThis work is licensed under the Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/References1. BioRxiv. www.biorxiv.org/Google Scholar2. Protocols.io. www.protocols.io/Google Scholar3. BioTechniques.com. www.biotechniques.com/Google Scholar4. Budowle B. Unravelling crime scenes strand by strand: the forensic odyssey of Bruce Budowle. BioTechniques 75(3), 13–17 (2023).Google Scholar5. Waters J. Education in microscopy: taking a closer look with Jennifer Waters. BioTechniques 75(3), 19–22 (2023).Google Scholar6. Gresshoff P. Peter and the Beanstalk: tackling the giant questions of soybean nodulation. BioTechniques 75(3), 23–26 (2023).Google Scholar7. Sule R, Rivera G, Gomes AV. Western blotting (immunoblotting): history, theory, uses, protocol and problems. BioTechniques 75(3), 27–42 (2023).Google Scholar8. Narh Mensah DL, Wingfield BD, Coetzee MPA. A practical approach to genome assembly and annotation of Basidiomycota using the example of Armillaria. BioTechniques 75(3), 43–55 (2023).Google Scholar9. Kossakovski F. The eccentric scientist behind the 'gold standard' COVID-19 test. National Geographic (2021). www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-eccentric-scientist-behind-the-gold-standard-covid-19-pcr-testGoogle Scholar10. Essel E, Korlević P, Meyer M. A method for the temperature-controlled extraction of DNA from ancient bones. BioTechniques 71(1), 382–386 (2021).Link, CAS, Google ScholarFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 75, No. 3 STAY CONNECTED Supplemental MaterialsMetrics History Received 3 July 2023 Accepted 18 August 2023 Published online 19 September 2023 Published in print September 2023 Information© 2023 Future Science LtdSupplementary dataTo view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.future-science.com/doi/suppl/10.2144/btn-2023-0081Author contributionsAll authors contributed equally to the writing of the manuscript.Financial disclosureThe authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.Competing interests disclosureEbony Torrington, Tristan Free and Ashling Cannon are employees of Future Science. The authors have no other competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.Writing assistanceNo writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.Open accessThis work is licensed under the Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/PDF download

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