New Matter: Inside the Minds of SLAS Scientists

Send us a textIn this special episode, Sapio Sciences Vice President Product and Pre-Sales Rob Brown, M.Sc., Ph.D., speaks with SLAS Scientific Director Lesley Mathews, Ph.D., to discuss how AI, large language models and a unified data platform revolutionize scientific informatics. Rob explains the benefits of a single data object and unified platform that streamlines data analysis and integrates seamlessly with lab equipment.Sapio's virtual assistant, ELaiN®, leverages natural language for more efficient lab workflows, allowing scientists to focus on complex tasks. The conversation highlights Sapio's mission to improve patient outcomes by enhancing scientists' productivity through innovative software solutions.Key Learning Points:The benefits of using a single data object as a source of truth for sample dataHow Sapio's platform incorporates large language models (LLMs) to automate tasks and facilitate natural language interactionsWays to boost efficiency and productivity by integrating AI, data science and equipment handling compared to using separate solutionsAbout Sapio Sciences:Sapio Sciences' mission is to improve lives by accelerating discovery, and because science is complex, Sapio makes technology simple. Sapio is a global business offering an all-in-one science-aware (TM) lab informatics platform combining cloud-based LIMS, ELN, and Jarvis data solutions. Visit sapiosciences.com to learn more.Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textSLAS Scientific Director Lesley Mathews, Ph. D., speaks with several winners of our Tony B. Travel Award who presented at the SLAS Europe 2024 Conference and Exhibition.Congratulations to our winners!(Listed in interview order)Shitanshu Devrani, Ph.D. (University of Gothenburg)An Automated High-Throughput Platform for AI-Guided Development of Nanopore Membrane Biosensors and Real-time Edge Processing, Demonstrated with Wilson's Disease Sample VerificationLeticia Manen, Ph.D. (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute)Harnessing Drug Metabolites In Precision Medicine: Deeping into antineoplastic’s major metabolites polypharmacologyJoel Sanchez Barea, Ph.D. Candidate (Incheon National University)Multiplexed detection of single-point mutations in human serum by integrating Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering with Polymerase Chain Reaction.What is the Tony B. Travel Award?This annual travel grant program provides funding for the SLAS International Conference and Exhibition and the SLAS Europe Conference and Exhibition for students, graduate students, post-doctoral associates, and junior faculty with less than four years in their first academic appointments.  Visit our Student Resources to learn more about these awards.Stay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.  For more information about SLAS, visit www.slas.org.SLAS publishes two peer-reviewed and MEDLINE-indexed scientific journals, SLAS Discovery and SLAS Technology. For more information about SLAS and its journals, visit slas.orgUpcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textColin Cox, Ph.D., Senior Director of Automation at Hexagon Bio, joins us for this episode. Colin participated in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) panel as a panelist at this year's SLAS2024 International Conference and Exhibition. We continue the conversation panel discussion by taking a closer look at supporting DEI initiatives in the workplace, along with examples. Key Learning Points:What DEI is and its importanceWhat it means to be an allyHow to get involved in DEI initiativesHow to have DEI conversations with team membersHow intersectionality factors into DEIAbout Our Guest:Colin is a seasoned Lab Automation Engineer and Molecular Biologist with extensive experience in integrating and operating liquid handlers and workcells in both R&D and data factory environments.Beyond that, he is dedicated to education and skill development, teaching 3D printing to foster innovation and hands-on learning. and is passionate about DEI initiatives.Stay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textIn this special episode, Inventia Life Science Director Sales and Operations, US, Dwayne Dexter, Ph.D., and Thomas & Kipp Gutshall Development Professor Of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering April Kloxin, Ph.D., join Hannah for a discussion on the current state of 3D cell model challenges and how Inventia's RASTRUM™ Platform is providing solutions. Key Learning Points:The challenges researchers are facing while using 3D models for drug discoveryWhat differentiates 3D printed models from other 3D generative methodsThe solutions Intenvia's RASTRUM™ Platform is providing in this area The future outlook on 3D printed biological modelsAbout  Inventia Life Science:We’re Inventia Life Science. We develop solutions to create advanced cell models and help forward-thinking pioneers in the fields of drug discovery and biomedical research to create human tissue for research and therapy.Our machines create advanced cell models which most closely and predictably imitate real human tissue structure and behaviour across a range of disease states. This physiological complexity offers an environment in which world-class research and discovery can occur, right in your own lab.Visit inventia.life to learn more.Stay connected with SLAS:Online at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textThis episode highlights SLAS2024 New Product Award Winner Cytotronics.Director of Biology at CytoTronics, Shalaka Chitale, Ph.D., joins us to provide an in-depth look into the award-winning product the Pixel System. Chitale shares insights into the development and functionalities of the Pixel system, a revolutionary technology that combines cutting-edge electrical imaging with microplate-based assays. This system is set to transform cell analysis, enabling high-throughput, label-free monitoring and manipulating cells at a single-cell level and offering unprecedented insights into cell morphology, function and behavior.Learn more about the Pixel System by visiting:cytotronics.com/productsFull transcript available hereStay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into AI adoption in early drug discovery with Raminderpal Singh, Ph.D., founder of HitchhikersAI. Raminderpal shares insights into HitchhikersAI's mission, which focuses on providing a collaborative platform for leveraging AI in drug discovery, emphasizing simple and effective solutions over complexity.They discuss the distinction between popularization and democratization of AI tools. He highlights the importance of making solutions widely accessible while addressing specific needs in the open-source community.Learn MoreFull Transcript on BuzzsproutOur Sponsor for this EpisodeAt Roche Sequencing, we are building on Roche’s legacy of innovation to transform next-generation sequencing and its application. By simplifying workflows and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to routine use. Our growing suite of products spans the genomics workflow, from sample acquisition and preparation through data analysis and final result, helping you answer important questions in genetics, cancer and beyond.We’re not just committed to providing you with our broad portfolio of industry-leading sequencing solutions; we’re also dedicated to making sure that you have the scientific support, technical expertise, and guidance that you can depend on. So no matter what your sequencing destination, you can be sure we’re with you every step of the way.To learn more, visit: sequencing.roche.com Stay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textRecorded straight from the SLAS2024 exhibit hall floor – New Matter host, Hannah Rosen, Ph.D., speaks with winners of the Student Poster Award, Tony B. Award and the SLAS-NOBCChE Scholarship!Congratulations to our winners!(Listed in interview order)Transcript Available on BuzzsproutStudent Poster AwardMarissa E. Davies (National Institutes of Health)High-Throughput Characterization of Isozyme-Specific Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) InhibitorsKui You (National University of Singapore)Address Infections by Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria with Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Combination Therapies Tony B. Travel AwardArun Kumar (National University of Singapore)High Aspect Ratio Nanostraws for High-Throughput Primary Immune Cell TransfectionSLAS-NOBCChE ScholarshipMarygrace Pelekamoyo  (J. Frank Dobie High School) Nathaniel Gauthier (Carver High School of Engineering and Science)Our Sponsor for this Episode At Roche Sequencing, we are building on Roche’s legacy of innovation to transform next-generation sequencing and its application. By simplifying workflows and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to routine use. Our growing suite of products spans the genomics workflow, from sample acquisition and preparation through data analysis and final result, helping you answer important questions in genetics, cancer and beyond.  We’re not just committed to providing you with our broad portfolio of industry-leading sequencing solutions; we’re also dedicated to making sure that you have the scientific support, technical expertise, and guidance that you can depend on. So, no matter what your sequencing destination, you can be sure we’re with you every step of the way. To learn more,  visit: sequencing.roche.com  Visit our Student Resources to learn more about these awards.Stay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textIntroducing our exciting new series - Peers Review! Get ready to explore fascinating topics in life sciences you may have heard of, but never fully understood. This week is all about Spheroids and Organoids!Hannah Rosen, Ph.D. is joined by SLAS Scientific Director Lesley Matthews, Ph.D., to discuss the differences between spheroids and organoids. Listen as they explore the advantages and trade-offs of using spheroids compared to organoids in research, touching on high-throughput, complexity and physiological relevance issues. Lesley highlights emerging technology that is making organoid research more scalable and predicts a future where organoids could be used for higher throughput studies. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of 3D cell culture models and their importance in biomedical research.Key Learning Points:Speroids vs Organoids – Definition and CompositionWhat the primary differences areHow they factor into emerging technologiesThe future outlook on spheroids and organoidsFull Transcript Available on BuzzsproutOur Sponsor for this EpisodeAt Roche Sequencing, we are building on Roche’s legacy of innovation to transform next-generation sequencing and its application. By simplifying workflows and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to routine use. Our growing suite of products spans the genomics workflow, from sample acquisition and preparation through data analysis and final result, helping you answer important questions in genetics, cancer and beyond.We’re not just committed to providing you with our broad portfolio of industry-leading sequencing solutions; we’re also dedicated to making sure that you have the scientific support, technical expertise, and guidance that you can depend on. So no matter what your sequencing destination, you can be sure we’re with you every step of the way.To learn more, visit: sequencing.roche.com Stay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textThis installment of our Accessibility in the Lab series features Brandon Miller, Client Solutions Executive and Diversity Services Lead at Clarkston Consulting. The discussion centers around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues in the lab and the life sciences industry. The conversation emphasizes how understanding diverse communities leads to better product development and marketing strategies. Brandon explains how DEI practices, such as hiring diverse talent and fostering inclusive workplace cultures, directly impact the quality and success of life science products, from drug development to marketing campaigns.Host Hannah Rosen, Ph.D., and Miller further discuss the importance of DEI in clinical trials, highlighting historical inequities and recent efforts by regulatory bodies like the FDA to promote diversity.Full Transcript Available on BuzzsproutOur Sponsor for this EpisodeAt Roche Sequencing, we are building on Roche’s legacy of innovation to transform next-generation sequencing and its application. By simplifying workflows and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to routine use. Our growing suite of products spans the genomics workflow, from sample acquisition and preparation through data analysis and final result, helping you answer important questions in genetics, cancer and beyond. We’re not just committed to providing you with our broad portfolio of industry-leading sequencing solutions; we’re also dedicated to making sure that you have the scientific support, technical expertise, and guidance that you can depend on. So no matter what your sequencing destination, you can be sure we’re with you every step of the way. To learn more, visit: sequencing.roche.com Stay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar

Send us a textIn this episode, Hannah Rosen speaks with Glenwood Barbee, M.B.A., Product Marketer at Benchling. Glenwood discusses Benchling Connect – a platform designed to accelerate connectivity and automation in laboratory settings.Glenwood highlights Benchling's mission to revolutionize biotechnology by bringing modern software to modern science.The conversation delves into the challenges of data standardization in life sciences. Glenwood outlines customers' primary pain points: Disconnected instrumentsInaccessible data due to proprietary formatsFragmented analytics leading to data lineage issuesOverall, the episode sheds light on the critical role of data standardization and automation in driving scientific progress, with Benchling at the forefront of innovation in the life sciences industry.Full Transcript Available on BuzzsproutOur Sponsor for this EpisodeBenchling creates the software that powers the biotechnology industry. More than 200,000 scientists at over 1,200 companies globally —  from cutting-edge start-ups to 20+ of the 50 largest global biopharma — rely on the Benchling R&D Cloud as their central source of truth for scientific data, analysis, and collaboration. Benchling is on a mission to accelerate scientific progress through advanced software that's purpose-built for biology.To learn more,  visit: Benchling.comStay connected with SLASOnline at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming SLAS Events: SLAS2025 International Conference and Exhibition January 25-29, 2025 San Diego, CA, USA SLAS Europe 2025 Conference and Exhibition 20-22 May 2025 Hamburg, Germany View the full events calendar