Bento Lab Manual

Learn how to use your all-in-one PCR workstation with confidence.

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Buyer Guides

We share advice on what you need to get started.

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Advice for Bento Lab users

Tips and Tricks for making the most out of your Bento Lab.

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Advice for educators

Helping educators teach molecular biology.

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Biotech 101 Kit Guides

Simple hands-on lessons for learning the entire PCR workflow by yourself.

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Lab@Home Vlog

Weekly video series of DNA analysis on a kitchen table.

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DNA Barcoding

Identify species with standardised methods used globally.

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Bird Sexing

Find out if your birds are male or female.

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DNA Extraction

A collection of DNA extraction resources.

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Thoughts, Notes, and Ideas

A collection of notes we are working on or thinking about.

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Publications

Recent publications featuring Bento Lab.

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Methods.

Step-by-step protocols.

Gel Electrophoresis

Use gel electrophoresis to visualise your PCR results.

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DNA Extraction from Tissue

Extract a DNA sample from meat tissue.

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DNA Extraction from Saliva

Extract a DNA sample from saliva.

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Read the latest news on our blog

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Closeup image of Scarlet Macaw parrots

Reefs, Rice Paddies, and Rare Birds

May highlights: Conservation science in action in remote jungles, coral reefs, paddy fields, and island field sites.

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Mauvisseau, Ewers, et al (2026) - portable eDNA metabarcoding in Norway

From eDNA monitoring and metabarcoding in the fjords to forensic molecular biology in the classroom

April highlights: eDNA monitoring and metabarcoding in the fjords of Norway, a molecular biology murder mystery, and an EU shipping update

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Snake Genomics in a Van, Biotech Education, and Building a Bird Sexing Business

March highlights: mobile snake genomics, a bird breeder’s journey to a commercial lab, Ulster University’s Biotech MSc, and new portable metagenomics research.

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