March 2026 Round-up
Hi everyone! Here is what’s new with Bento Bio this month.
We’d love to hear your feedback, questions, and comments. Just contact us here.
Whole Genome Sequencing of a Snake
Using Bento Lab and ONT PromethION, in a camper van
Images © Alan F. ScottAlan Scott and David Mohr, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, published an account of their chromosome-level nuclear and mitochondrial genome sequencing of the Red Coachwhip rattlesnake, completed under real and simulated field conditions in a motor home mobile laboratory.
They collected the sample as recently found roadkill; extracted the DNA and prepared the library using Bento Lab; and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore PromethION P2 Solo Sequencer.
You can read the genome note here: Scott & Mohr (2026). A Nanopore-Only Assembly of a Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome of a Red Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum piceus). Genes, 17(3), 307.
Alan was also kind enough to share the images above – a really cool set-up!
Bird Sexing: From Bird Breeder to Commercial Company
We’re excited to share Brittney Knight’s journey from bird breeder curious about DNA testing to building a successful bird sexing company!
You can read about her inspirational journey on our blog.
Ulster University’s Biotechnology Research MSc
Dr. Andrew McDowell has shared some great images of MSc students using Bento Lab in Ulster University’s Biotechnology Research MSc.
The university is recruiting students for their Biotechnology Research MSc for the 2026-2027 academic year, having just finished off their practical classes (including CRISPR gene editing!).
Their curriculum looks amazing, and has a strong emphasis on learning practical skills (including using Bento Lab!). So if you’re interested in learning about this biotechnology for a future career, check out the MSc.
Quantitative Metabarcoding using Bento Lab as part of a portable lab setup
Bian et al. (2026) published a study published a study showcasing a portable quantitative metagenomics workflow using Bento Lab for DNA extraction and PCR, and the Oxford Nanopore MK1C sequencing platform for sequencing.
They managed to identify AND quantify the microorganisms present in various types of wastewater plant sludges and effluent, using multispecies genomic spike-in controls to calibrate their results.
And their successful portable DNA extraction method (using a hand-held bead beater, DNA extraction kits, and Bento Lab), should be very useful for anyone else needing a portable, on-site DNA extraction method for similar kinds of samples.
Abiko City Bird Museum’s Introduction to Bird Sexing Workshop
Abiko City Bird Museum in Japan hosted an introduction to bird sexing using DNA in early March. It was a small-group experimental workshop where a few visitors could experience core lab skills like pipetting and amplifying DNA, and visualising bird sex using agarose gel electrophoresis.
We hope the attendees enjoyed the experience, especially at such a special centre for bird collections and knowledge; and that the museum can run it again soon!
You can see it was a busy March! If you have stories to share, we’d love to hear from you (and include you in the newsletter next month).
Best of luck for all of your PCRs and gel runs in April!
Your Bento Bio Team
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