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Welcome to NEB's Science Blog, NEBinspired® -
Sharing our passion for science, one story at a time

NEBinspired is a science blog designed to share inspirational stories about trends in the life sciences, lab tips to help you save time, and life lessons to reflect on. Browse our collection of science stories, or filter to find a topic that you are passionate about. From groundbreaking discoveries to sustainable lab techniques and helpful online tools that will aid your experimental design, we have something for everyone. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, not to worry – simply send us a message about topics you would like to see covered.

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Exploring the Hidden Diversity of Unorthodox Genomes

Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2026 By Dora Posfai, Ph.D., Associate Director of Core Facilities & Group Leader Sequencing Core, New England Biolabs
& Peter Weigele, Senior Principal Investigator, Biochemistry and Microbiology Division, New England Biolabs

Some genetic entities don't fit neatly into categories like chromosomes, plasmids, or viruses. At our recent Unorthodox Genome symposium, researchers discussed replicating systems such as obelisks, phage satellites, jumbo phages, and Borgs, that challenge our understanding of genome biology and microbial evolution.

Topic: What is Trending in Science

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Jose Penades speaking at the 2026 Unorthodox Genomes Symposium

RNase 4 Supports Precise Characterization of mRNA 5´ Cap Structures

Posted on Monday, September 14, 2026 By Iris Martinez, Illustration by Tasha José & Reviewed by Development Scientist Jeremy C. Henderson, Ph.D.

Critical quality attributes (CQAs) of mRNA vaccines, including sequence identity, 5′ capping efficiency, and 3′ poly(A) tail length, require thorough characterization. RNase 4 can be used to digest long mRNA molecules into oligonucleotide fragments that are amenable to analysis by LC-MS, capillary electrophoresis (CE), or denaturing gel-based methods, thereby enabling detailed assessment of mRNA therapeutic safety and content.

Topic: Tips for the lab

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U-Bahn "U" sign in Vienna, with NEBinspired logo

Highly Efficient Peptide Binder Discovery Using mRNA Display

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2026 By Nicole Kelesoglu & Illustration by Tasha Jose

In this interview, PeptiFinder Biotech scientists share why mRNA Display is such a powerful platform for peptide therapeutics discovery, where they see this field going, and how enzyme engineering and workflow optimization could further expand the chemical space accessible to mRNA display.

Topic: What is Trending in Science, Tips for the lab

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Closeup of helix of peptide "beads"

RNase III Protocol Modification Can Enable Safe dsRNA Removal from IVT Samples

Posted on Monday, July 20, 2026 By Iris Martinez, Illustrations by Tasha José 

High-quality and pure RNA is a requirement for RNA therapeutics to avoid unwanted immune responses, not just a “nice to have.” In vitro transcription can be optimized, but additional cleanup may be needed. Enzymatic removal of dsRNA using RNase III preserves ssRNA integrity when refined using a protocol developed by NEB scientists.

Topic: Tips for the lab

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Broken and frayed twisted rope, with NEBinspired logo

Cell-free Protein Synthesis Enables Rapid Single-chain Fragment Production and Analysis

Posted on Thursday, July 9, 2026 By Iris Martinez, Illustrations by Tasha José

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) workflows allow for fast, scalable and cost-effective single-chain antibody fragment production. NEB scientists have outlined approaches to quickly and efficiently screen the discovery and initial characterization of novel antibody fragments with CFPS.

Topic: Tips for the lab

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Collage of antibody with scFv fragments, with NEBinspired logo

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