Multifactorial chronic ocular surface disease — also known as “dry eye” — greatly affects quality of life and can lead to loss of vision in severe cases. Inflammation and instability of the tear film, the protective layer around the eye, can lead to damage to the corneal epithelial cells and loss of conjunctival goblet cells. The complex underlying nature of dry eye means that potential therapies must be effective at treating a variety of symptoms.

Antibodies — also referred to as immunoglobulins — represent one of the most powerful tools available for life science researchers. Experimentalists want an antibody that is both specific to their target of interest and sensitive enough for their desired detection method. Balancing these factors is a key consideration during the research and development process for new products.

In attempting to characterize cellular and molecular processes, it often becomes necessary to label — either through immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry — two or more targets in the same sample. This type of labeling provides insight into the localization of independent targets within cells or tissue and can help determine whether two or more targets co-localize under different experimental conditions.

Are you as happy as a scientist? Then you’re doing pretty well.

As scientists seek greater engagement in politics and policymaking, it appears women may be taking the lead.