Author: Kelly Grooms

World Wildlife Conservation Day: Reflecting on the Role of Science in Protecting Threatened or Endangered Species and Ecosystems  

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
A sign reading “Wildlife Conservation Area — Please keep to marked footpaths” stands in the foreground of a grassy field, with rows of young crops and a line of trees under a partly cloudy sky.

December 4 marks World Wildlife Conservation Day, a day set aside to highlight global efforts to protect endangered species and preserve the biodiversity and ecosystems that sustain our planet. It is an opportunity to call attention to the serious threats posed by wildlife crimes, such as poaching and illegal trafficking, and a time to stand together against ongoing dangers to wildlife and their habitat.  

Every organism, from myxozoans to blue whales, has a place in the delicate balance of ecosystems. When these systems become unstable, the impact can be far reaching—affecting anything from crop loss and soil fertility to water and air quality. This World Wildlife Conservation Day we want to reflect on the role science can play in understanding and protecting the wildlife and ecosystems that support us all.  

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Unlocking the Power of Live-Cell Kinetics in Degrader Development

Posted on by Kelly Grooms

In targeted protein degradation (TPD), timing is everything. Understanding not just whether a degrader works—but how fast, how thoroughly and how sustainably—can dramatically influence early discovery decisions. Dr. Kristin Riching (Promega) dove into the real-time world of degradation kinetics in the webinar: Degradation in Motion: How Live-Cell Kinetics Drive Degrader Optimization, sharing how dynamic data provides a clearer view of degrader performance than traditional endpoint assays.

Whether you’re exploring your first PROTAC or optimizing a molecular glue series, the expertise offered in Dr. Riching’s presentation gives you actionable insights that will help you connect kinetic data to better therapeutic design.

3D visualization of a protein structure within a live-cell environment, highlighting the interaction site relevant to targeted protein degradation, set against a dark cellular background to emphasize kinetic dynamics.
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Avoid the Summertime Blue-Greens— Know about Cyanobacteria Before You Hit the Water

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
Warning sign reading "ALGAE BLOOM – NO SWIMMING" posted in a lake with visible green algae floating on the water's surface, surrounded by lily pads and aquatic plants under a clear blue sky.

The weather is warming up (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a dip in cool lake waters, so people everywhere are digging out their swimsuits and hitting the beach. Unfortunately, the same warm temperatures that drive us to the beach can also cause a potentially deadly overgrowth of blue-green algae —also called harmful algal blooms (HABs)—in the water of our favorite pond or lake.

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Growing Our Understanding of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Why Comprehensive Population Data Matters

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
A digitally rendered illustration of a cancer cell superimposed over the African continent. The cancer cell, with a textured, reddish-orange surface and extending tendrils, appears to spread across the dark red map of Africa, symbolizing the impact or presence of cancer on the continent.

In the genomics era, the promise of precision medicine and tailored diagnostics is only as good as the datasets, which makes it imperative that those sets reflect the diversity of the human population. Populations from the African continent, the most genomically diverse region in the world, are underrepresented in current genomic data sets.  Nowhere is closing this data gap more urgent than with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which has a disproportionately high incidence in women of African descent and limited therapeutic options.

Highlighting why comprehensive population data is so important are the results of a recent study profiling of 30 TNBC tumor samples from Angola and Cape Verde (1).  Whole-exome sequencing (WES), enriched with untranslated regions (UTRs), showed that 86% of somatic variants in these samples had never been reported before. WES can be especially valuable when working with limited or degraded samples, such as the FFPE samples used in this study, because it allows you to gain valuable insights from samples that are impractical for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). This study’s results emphasize the value in expanding omics cancer research so that it includes all populations and areas of the genome.

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Measles and Immunosuppression—When Getting Well Means You Can Still Get Sick

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
26062330-March-7-Kelly-600x900-WEB

In 2000 measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States (1), meaning there had been no disease transmission for over 12 months. Unfortunately, recent years have shown us it was not gone for good. So far in 2025 there have been 6 outbreaks and 607 cases. Five hundred and sixty-seven of these cases (93%) are associated with an outbreak; seventy-four (12%) cases have resulted in hospitalization, and there has been one confirmed death, with another death under investigation (as of April 3, 2025; 2).  For comparison, there were two hundred and eighty-five total cases in 2024; one hundred and ninety-eight (69%) were associated with outbreaks; one hundred and fourteen (40%) cases resulted in hospitalization. There were no deaths (2).  

Help in Limiting a Dangerous Childhood Disease

Before the development of a vaccine in the 1960s, measles was practically a childhood rite of passage. This common childhood disease is not without teeth however. One out of every 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, 1 out of every 1,000 develops encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and 1 to 3 of every 1,000 dies from respiratory and neurological complications (3). In the years before a vaccine was available, it is estimated that there were between 3.5 and 5 million measles cases per year. (4). The first measles vaccine was licensed in the U.S. by John Enders in 1963, and not surprisingly, after the measles vaccine became widely used, the number of cases of measles plummeted. By 1970, there were under 1,000 cases (2).

Decreased Childhood Mortality from Other Infectious Diseases—An Unexpected Benefit

Surprisingly, with the disappearance of this childhood disease the number of childhood deaths from all infectious diseases dropped dramatically. As vaccination programs were instituted in England and parts of Europe, the same phenomenon was observed. Reduction or elimination of measles-related illness and death alone can’t explain the size of the decrease in childhood mortality. Although measles infection is associated with suppression of the immune system that will make the host vulnerable to other infections, these side effects were assumed to be short lived. In reality, the drop in mortality from infectious diseases following vaccination for measles lasted for years, not months (5).

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IC50, EC50 and Kd: What is the Difference and Why Do They matter?

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
A modern computer monitor displays a data analytics graph with an upward-trending line in orange and red. The screen has a dark theme with a grid overlay and numerical values. The monitor is set on a desk with a keyboard and mouse, illuminated by warm ambient lighting in the background, creating a professional, high-tech atmosphere.

Three of the most common metrics in drug discover are Kd, IC50 and EC50. At first glance it can seem that they measure the same thing, but they don’t. Kd measures how tightly a molecule or compound binds to its target. IC50 measures inhibition of a function and conversely, EC50 measures activation or induction of a response. Confusing these values can lead to misinterpretation of assay results and costly rework. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

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Understanding Stress Resilience in Tomatoes: Insights Into the Role of PP2C Genes

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
An illustration of a tomato plant divided between normal and drought conditions. This study looks at the role of PP2C in stress response.

As climate change accelerates, understanding how crops survive environmental stress isn’t just an academic question—it’s a critical challenge for global food security. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), a staple crop worldwide, face increasing threats from drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. But how do these plants adapt at the molecular level?

A recent study published in Scientific Reports ​investigated the evolutionary history, genomic diversity, and functional roles of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) genes in tomatoes (1). Instead of merely cataloging these genes, the researchers analyzed how PP2C gene expression changes under environmental stress. This information could help inform us about crop improvement strategies.

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Live-Cell Imaging: It’s Time to See What Else Your Luminescence Assays Can Tell You

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
luminescent cells behind a molecular structure

Luminescent live-cell assays are powerful tools for cellular biology research. They offer both qualitative and quantitative insights into processes such as gene expression, cell viability, metabolic activity, protein and small molecule interactions, and targeted protein degradation. But what if you could go beyond the numbers and actually see what is happening in your cells? With luminescent imaging, you have the opportunity to uncover more dynamic data by visualizing what happens with your cells in real time.

Why Luminescent Imaging?

Bioluminescent reporters such as NanoLuc® Luciferase reporters are well-suited for use in bioluminescent imaging studies. The extreme brightness means that exposure times can be reduced, compared to the time required for other luminescent reporter proteins. Its small size also makes it less likely to perturb the normal biology or functionality.

Another benefit of bioluminescence for imaging is the inherent stability and sustainability of the bioluminescent signal, which does not require external excitation like fluorescent tags.  This allows direct visualization of protein dynamics in living cells without the need for repeated sample excitation. The lack of external excitation also reduces the risk of phototoxicity and photobleaching, common issues that can adversely affect cell viability and signal integrity over time.

Applications Across Cellular Research

Luminescent imaging complements traditional luminescence assays by adding spatial and temporal dimensions. With luminescent live-cell imaging, researchers can visualize NanoLuc® Luciferase assays to gain a deeper understanding of the real-time cellular processes occurring in each experiment. Applications include:

  • Determining which cells provide signal
  • Analyzing mixed cell populations
  • Identifying rare events
  • Monitoring protein:protein interactions
  • Identifying protein localization and translocation
  • Tracking protein degradation and stability over time
  • Visualizing ligand:protein interactions (target engagement)

Luminescent Imaging in Action

Targeted Protein Degradation

Selectively targeting proteins for removal from the cell—instead of inhibiting protein activity—is a newer approach with therapeutic potential. In this method, the protein is targeted for degradation using the cell’s natural ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The degradation process is initiated by compounds such as molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) linking the target protein to an E3 ligase. Once this linkage occurs, the cell’s UPS does the rest.

Luminescent substrates with increased signal stability, such as the Nano-Glo® Extended Live Cell Substrate, enables researchers to image targeted protein degradation in their cells in real time. In the example shown below, Nano-Glo® Vivazine™ Live Cell Substrate was used to image degradation of the GSPT1 protein by the CC-885 degrader over 5 hours.

gif showing luminescent signal disappearing with protein degradation

Targeted protein degradation over time. HEK293 cells expressing endogenous HiBiT-tagged GSPT1 and stably expressing LgBiT were treated with CC-885 degrader or DMSO control treatment. Assayed with Nano-Glo® Vivazine™ Live Cell Substrate and imaged over 5 hours using GloMax® Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.

Combining Luminescent and Fluorescent Imaging to Detect Protein:Small Molecule Interactions

Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based assays such as NanoBRET® assays allows you to detect protein:protein interactions by measuring energy transfer from a bioluminescent protein donor to a fluorescent protein acceptor. These assays can be used to monitor changes in protein interactions over time, making them a useful tool for small-molecule screening.

The schematic below illustrates how the NanoBRET® NanoGlo® Detection Systems can be used to visualize target engagement. The cells on the left are expressing a NanoLuc® fusion protein, resulting in a luminescent signal. Adding a fluorescent small tracer (center) results in energy transfer and a fluorescent signal (right). Using an imaging platform that has luminescence and fluorescence imaging capabilities will let you see this energy transfer in action.

schematic showing cells detected by luminescent and fluorescent imaging
Detecting protein:small molecule interactions with NanoBRET® NanoGlo® Detection Systems.  HCT116 cells expressing a PRMT5–NanoLuc® fusion were supplemented with a fluorescent small molecule tracer (center panel). Before tracer addition, luminescent signal indicates energy is present on the donor protein (left; 3-minute exposures for 15 minutes). Binding of fluorescent tracer results in energy transfer and fluorescent signal (right; 3-minute exposures for 60 minutes). Images were captured on the GloMax® Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.

Bringing the Power of Luminescent Imaging to Your Lab

glomax galaxy imager and computer screen

Having the right tools is critical to unlocking the full potential of bioluminescence imaging. The GloMax® Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager is uniquely positioned to offer researchers the power of imaging in an accessible, benchtop instrument. The Galaxy is a fully equipped microscope that can visualize output from NanoLuc® Technologies and offers luminescence, fluorescence and brightfield imaging capabilities. By offering a user-friendly platform for live-cell luminescent imaging, the GloMax® Galaxy empowers researchers to enrich their understanding of functional and dynamic cellular events across a cell population.

Conclusion

Luminescent imaging can enrich what we learn from live-cell assays and offers an unprecedented view into the dynamics of cellular processes. From monitoring drug responses to visualizing protein interactions, this technology delivers insights that go beyond the capabilities of traditional assays.

Whether you’re studying cancer biology, drug development or cellular signaling, luminescent imaging can help you uncover what’s hidden in your data and see your research in a whole new light.

Additional Resources

GloMax® Galaxy Luminescent Imager, NanoBRET® Nano-Glo® Detection Systems and Nano-Glo® Vivazine live Cell Substrate are for Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.

Don’t Flush Your Kitty Litter! Toxoplasmosis Is a Growing Threat to Sea Otters and Other Marine Mammals

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
Sea otter in water with an overlay of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts.

Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), endangered marine mammals along California’s coastlines, are facing an unexpected threat. The menace comes not from pollution, habitat loss or natural predators, but from a microscopic enemy—Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This protozoan parasite, typically associated with domestic cats, has found its way into marine ecosystems with sometimes deadly consequences for sea otters. Recently, scientists identified transmission of virulent, atypical strains of T. gondii from terrestrial felids to sea otters along the southern California coast, with lethal consequences (1).

Understanding T. gondii and Its Hosts

T. gondii is a versatile parasite that can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans and marine mammals. However, the T. gondii lifecycle depends upon felids (e.g., domestic cats and their wild relatives) who serve as definitive hosts. It is in their intestines that the parasite completes its sexual reproductive stage. The resulting oocysts are excreted in the animals’ feces. T. gondii oocysts exhibit remarkable resilience, surviving in soil, freshwater and seawater for extended periods. They are even resistant to standard wastewater treatment processes, which means oocysts in cat waste disposed of by flushing will pass through the treatment plant and be discharged into the environment. ​(2,3).

Oocysts can also be washed from soil contaminated with cat waste and carried via storm drains and rivers into the ocean, dispersing them into coastal waters. Once there, the oocysts settle on kelp or in sediments where they can be picked up by marine invertebrates like snails, mussels and clams. Marine mammals such as sea otters become infected when they consume these contaminated invertebrates. Otters can also ingest oocysts during grooming sessions​ (1,3).

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Tardigrade Proteins Might Solve the Cold Chain Problem for Biologics

Posted on by Kelly Grooms
image depicting a microscopic tardigrade

Some of our most advanced medicines today rely on components derived from living organisms. These therapeutics, called biologics, include things like vaccines, blood products like Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII (FVIII), antibodies and stem cells. Biologics are incredibly temperature sensitive, which means they need to be kept cold during production, transport and storage, a process collectively called the cold chain. The stringent transport and storage temperature requirements for biologics create a barrier to accessing these lifesaving options; particularly for those in remote or underdeveloped regions, where maintaining a cold chain is logistically difficult and costly.

But what if we could break the cold chain? Inspired by one of the most resilient creatures on Earth – the tardigrade – scientists at the University of Wyoming are exploring ways to do just that.

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