PCR may be decades old, but it is still one of the most versatile tools in modern molecular biology.

In this crossover episode, Absolute Gene-ius welcomes Steve Lewis, host of Speaking of Mol Bio and Director of Product Management at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Steve discusses why PCR remains so broadly relevant across research and applied science, from human identification and food testing to gene synthesis and molecular characterization. He also explores emerging trends shaping molecular biology workflows, including multiplexing, assay design, customization, miniaturization, and the ongoing need for high-quality PCR plastics. The conversation also digs into sustainability in the lab, including why single-use plastics remain essential for reducing contamination risk and how more sustainable material sourcing can help reduce carbon impact without compromising performance.

In Career Corner, Steve shares a winding path that started in communications, moved through startups and home brewing, and eventually led to bioprocessing, biosecurity, synthetic biology, and product management. His advice? Cultivate curiosity, surround yourself with good people, and try not to drop your E. coli flask.

Visit the Absolute Gene-ius page to learn more about the guests, the hosts, and the science we explore. Discover the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Digital and Real-Time PCR Systems powering real-world research across neuroscience, oncology, agriculture, and more.

Dr. Robert Philibert joins the show to unpack the fascinating world of epigenetics, where environmental factors like smoking, alcohol, and lifestyle reshape how genes are expressed. He explains how methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin structure act as regulatory layers on top of DNA, influencing disease risk far more than previously thought. The conversation dives into how technologies like bisulfite conversion and digital PCR enable precise measurement of these changes, transforming epigenetic signals into actionable data. Dr. Philibert also highlights real-world applications, from detecting behavioral risk factors to enabling early disease biomarkers, emphasizing how epigenetics can’t be “gamed” like traditional reporting methods, making it a powerful tool for precision health interventions.

From spilled drink mishaps to science fiction inspiration, the career corner brings humor and humanity. Dr. Philibert reflects on mentorship, passion, and the joy of seeing students turn ideas into impactful innovations, proving that science is as much about people as it is about discovery.

Visit the Absolute Gene-ius page to learn more about the guests, the hosts, and the science we explore. Discover the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Digital and Real-Time PCR Systems powering real-world research across neuroscience, oncology, agriculture, and more.

Multiplexing is reshaping how scientists think about PCR experiments, turning single-target workflows into powerful, multi-dimensional analyses.

In this Science Snapshot, we revisit standout moments from past episodes to explore how multiplexing is applied across research areas, from measuring interferon-related genes in lupus to analyzing complex microbial communities and detecting low-level donor-derived DNA.

Guests highlight both the opportunities and challenges, including assay design, probe optimization, and troubleshooting strategies. The episode also showcases how multiplexing enables entirely new applications, such as comparing chromosome ratios, assessing molecular integrity, and distinguishing functional mRNA from truncated byproducts. Whether using qPCR or digital PCR, multiplexing allows researchers to extract more information per sample, improve precision through multiple data points, and better reflect biological complexity. As platforms and chemistries continue to evolve, multiplexing is becoming more accessible, helping scientists move faster, conserve material, and focus more on interpreting results rather than optimizing reactions.

Visit the Absolute Gene-ius page to learn more about the guests, the hosts, and the science we explore. Discover the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Digital and Real-Time PCR Systems powering real-world research across neuroscience, oncology, agriculture, and more.