April 2026 Round-up
From fjord fieldwork to classroom crime scenes, here’s what’s been happening with Bento Bio in April.
We’d love to hear your feedback, questions, and comments. Just contact us here.
Portable eDNA metabarcoding, from field to insight
In an exciting example of eDNA metabarcoding from the fjords, a new pre-print by Quentin Mauvisseau, Isabelle Ewers, et al, presents a fully portable, off-grid workflow, enabling end-to-end biodiversity analysis outside of traditional laboratory settings.
Developed and tested during international training courses in Norway and Brazil, the workflow allowed students and early career researchers to carry out the entire process on site, from environmental sampling to statistical analysis. Their setup included a 3D printed DIYNAFLUOR fluorometer device, in addition to the Bento Lab and MinION sequencer.
By enabling fast on-site processing, the approach could support more responsive monitoring and reduce delays between sampling and insight, an important need in aquatic ecosystem monitoring.
Read more about the 16 fish and elasmobranch species they found: Mauvisseau, Quentin, et al. “On-site metabarcoding analysis of environmental DNA samples.” bioRxiv (2026): 2026-03.
Murder mystery meets molecular biology
We love seeing creative approaches to STEM outreach, and this recent workshop at Windsor College is a great example of how hands-on learning can spark curiosity.
As part of their work with the UK Health Security Agency, a STEM outreach session brought students into MURDER MYSTERY: The Case of The Radioactive Researcher.
Using Bento Lab, students stepped into the role of scientists, working through a real-world case using PCR, centrifugation, and gel electrophoresis. Complex concepts quickly became tangible as learners interpreted results, asked thoughtful questions, and built confidence in their scientific reasoning.
As workshop leader Dr. Ashveny Ashok, noted:
“What stood out most was how quickly students engaged with the process asking thoughtful questions, interpreting results, and genuinely thinking like investigators. Making advanced biotechnology accessible in a classroom setting is a powerful way to build curiosity and confidence in STEM.”
We are really happy to see Bento Lab supporting such imaginative and impactful learning experiences!
Supporting real-world impact
Bento Bio co-founder Bethan Wolfenden was recently featured in a profile by SynbiCITE, reflecting on how early-stage support helped shape their journey and the broader mission behind Bento Lab.
The feature highlights how access to shared lab space, equipment, and hands-on guidance created the conditions needed to test ideas early and iterate quickly, as well as the user-driven approach that guides how Bento Lab is developed and used today.
Give it a read (and a like!) here: Democratising Biology Begins with Creating Space for New Innovators: The impact of support 10 years on
Update: New, lower shipping rates for the EU
Quick update for our European customers: We’ve been working hard to make our shipping more accessible. We’re excited to announce that we’ve added Royal Mail as a shipping option (specifically for orders under €150), which is 40–50% cheaper for most orders. You’ll see the new, more affordable option at checkout starting today.
(If you aren’t based in the EU, thanks for bearing with us on this quick logistics update!)
As always, it’s great to see how you’re using Bento Lab in the real world. We can’t wait to see where it’ll turn up next!
May the force of positive PCRs be with you on May the 4th — and the rest of the month.
The Bento Bio Team
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