PCR inhibitors are everywhere and they can definitely mess with your data. From muddy lake water to complex viral vector preparations, inhibition is a reality that can’t be ignored.

In this inaugural Absolute Gene-ius: Science Snapshot, hosts Jordan Ruggieri and Lisa Crawford revisit standout moments from past seasons to explore how scientists across disciplines deal with PCR inhibition. Through clips from experts working in wastewater surveillance, environmental microbiology, and gene therapy manufacturing, the episode highlights why inhibitors distort qPCR results and how sample preparation alone doesn’t always solve the problem. Guests including Ray Ketchum, Sarah Philo, Patrick Hanington, Dave Bauer, Kimberly Gomez, and Min Jin Kim explain both the biological sources of inhibition and the technical reasons digital PCR is more resilient. Together, these perspectives paint a clear picture of why dPCR is becoming the method of choice when overcoming inhibitors is required.

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.

What do vineyards, airborne spores, and digital PCR have in common? Turns out – quite a lot. This episode kicks off Season 4 by going green with plant pathology and molecular diagnostics.

Lexi Heger, a PhD candidate in plant pathology and molecular plant sciences at Michigan State University, joins the show to discuss her work on grapevine diseases, particularly downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola. Lexi explains how she developed qPCR assays to differentiate cryptic pathogen clades, redesigned multiplex assays to track multiple grape pathogens simultaneously, and explored how digital PCR can add value when sensitivity really matters, like when detecting rare alleles linked to fungicide resistance. The conversation dives into real-world challenges like sampling air, plant, and soil environments, managing PCR inhibitors, and translating academic research into actionable tools for growers. Together, Jordan, Lisa, and Lexi highlight why qPCR and dPCR aren’t competing technologies, but complementary tools that support smarter disease management in agriculture.

In Career Corner, Lexi reflects on her lifelong love of plants, the joy of gardening, and the mentors who helped cultivate her scientific curiosity. From killing plants “to save them,” to embracing plant puns and favorite pathogens, this segment is a reminder that great science often grows from genuine passion, and a little dirt under your fingernails.

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.

We’re back and better than ever. Season 4 of Absolute Gene-ius is officially here, and this teaser gives you a front-row seat to what’s coming. From scientific puns to sneak peeks of the upcoming guest lineup, co-hosts Jordan Ruggieri and new addition Lisa Crawford set the tone for another season of engaging, educational, and entertaining molecular biology content.

This season, the show expands its scope beyond digital PCR to include real-time PCR and other tools that are working together to move research forward in fields like oncology, agriculture, behavioral psychiatry, and more. Lisa brings a non-scientist’s view to the show along with a deep passion for translating complex science into compelling stories. Whether it’s microvesicles, stem cells, or high-containment biosafety labs, the upcoming episodes promise to be both technically informative and very human.

And in classic Absolute Gene-ius fashion, we keep it fun. From how guests got into science, to what thy love most about it, and lab fail stories, the Career Corner returns with fresh energy and laughs. Expect bad puns, big discoveries, and the beautiful chaos of real-world research.

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.