The main reason for this was the difficulty of working out what exactly was done in the original experiments. Protocols \u2014 precise step-by-step recipes for repeating experiments \u2014 are missing from published research more often than not. Indeed, even the original researchers can have trouble pinpointing particulars years later.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The challenge of effective dissemination of research<\/h3>\n
Repeating the step-by-step execution of an experiment is never easy. Firstly, you need to extract the details from another researcher\u2019s published work. This work hopefully shares everything you need to know in its \u2018methods and materials\u2019 section. Then you have to assume that any differences in lab-ware used will not result in differences to experimental outcome. Unfortunately, it still relies on a degree of \u2018interpretation\u2019 regarding the way in which a particular step should be implemented by the researcher. For example, can we assume that every researcher uses a pipette in exactly the same way? The answer is, \u2018no\u2019, we absolutely cannot. Our intuitive lab software takes advantage of mobile-friendly, web-based technology, in order to minimize the risk of such errors. \u00a0In so doing, we participate in ushering in an era of more efficient and confident science.<\/p>\n
We have all had that experience.. at some point in our research career!<\/h3>\n
My own obsession with sharing methods derives from an all-too-common frustration during my PhD. I spent almost a year repeating a technique developed by a previous student, upon which an important part of my research was based. Imagine electrochemically immobilizing an enzyme in an electro-active polymer using a process that required precise control of pH and enzyme activity. During this time, I fully appreciated the importance of the accurate and repetitive dispensing of the correct microliter volume of a reagent used for doping that same polymer. I\u2019m sure you get the point.. not easy, especially when the required level of detail had not been fully committed to paper and the individual had moved to another country to pursue a Post-Doc!<\/p>\n
Intuitive lab software enabling easy sharing of protocols<\/h3>\n
The advancement of science critically depends upon the ability of the researcher to execute a specific protocol, in order to test a hypothesis, and other researchers to be able to repeat it and observe the same results. Errors in the execution of an experiment waste valuable time and resources. Worse still, they may go undetected by the peer review process, potentially wasting the time and funding of other research groups, and ultimately damage the reputation of the researcher.<\/p>\n
Enter our innovative lab software: ‘OneLab’<\/h3>\n
In February 2019, Andrew Alliance launched a unique browser-based lab software environment called OneLab<\/a><\/span>. \u00a0It enables researchers to design, and share, their own protocols, through a highly intuitive graphical interface that can then be executed step-by-step, from any PC or tablet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Imagine being able to set up each step of your serial dilution on an iPad, including all the required lab-ware and reagents. \u00a0 Once set up, you then execute your experiment either automatically on the Andrew+ robot<\/a><\/span>, or semi-automatically on Pipette+<\/a>, by remotely setting up the required volumes on an electronic pipette, rather than having to input them yourself. \u00a0No more fiddling with tiny buttons with gloved hands, or trying to ready small displays while pipetting!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Of course, pipetting is just one, albeit highly important, step in a life science experiment work flow. There are others (grabbing, heating, shaking, weighing, and so on) which is why Andrew Alliance is working with partners to expand its offering of connected device solutions and intuitive lab software, towards a more \u2018connected\u2019 laboratory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not only does this free up time for the researcher to focus on higher level tasks but it also provides full traceability. OneLab<\/a><\/span> acquires data detailing the precise execution of each step of an experiment, beneficial for troubleshooting and ensuring a full audit trail for regulated laboratories.<\/p>\n![\"lab](\"https:\/\/www.andrewalliance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Andrew-Article-2019-06-10-17-33-16.png\")
Intuitive lab software that enables the ‘connected’ lab<\/h3>\n
![\"lab](\"https:\/\/www.andrewalliance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Screenshot-2019-06-14-at-15.42.50.png\")