WPI Blog

Coverslip thickness is one of the most overlooked variables in fluorescence microscopy, and one of the most consequential. High-NA objectives are optically corrected for imaging through exactly 170 µm of borosilicate glass. When the substrate deviates from that specification in thickness or refractive index, spherical aberration reduces resolution, degrades signal, and shifts the focal plane. Plastic dishes fail this specification on both counts and cannot be corrected with adjustment collars. This article explains the optical engineering behind the 0.17mm standard, the consequences of deviating from it, and why glass bottom dishes are the only substrate that meets it fully.

Up to 10% of researchers are left-handed, yet most laboratory scissors and instruments are designed exclusively for right-handed use. This creates real consequences in the lab, including reduced precision, compromised visibility, compensatory fatigue, and increased technique variability. This article explains the mechanical reasons why standard scissors underperform in a left hand, covers related instruments such as needle holders and ratchet forceps, and presents two practical solutions, dedicated left-handed scissors that mirror the blade geometry for natural action, and spring scissors, which are fully ambidextrous and ideal for fine dissection work. Small differences in instrument design can have a measurable impact on research quality.

Disposable scalpels are essential precision tools used in surgical, histology, and laboratory environments where accuracy, sterility, and reproducibility are critical. Selecting the correct blade type directly impacts cutting performance, tissue integrity, and experimental outcomes. Common blade types include the #10 for broad incisions, the #11 for puncture and entry cuts, and the #15 for fine, controlled dissection. This guide helps users understand how blade geometry affects cutting behavior and how to match scalpel selection to specific research workflows. Proper technique, including controlled cutting and single-use adherence, improves consistency and reduces contamination risk in sensitive biological applications across modern laboratory settings.

Plastic cell culture dishes are a common but overlooked source of fluorescence imaging problems. Polystyrene introduces two compounding issues: optical distortion from refractive index inconsistencies and autofluorescence from the material itself. These degrade image clarity, reduce signal-to-noise ratio, and compromise quantitative measurements. These problems are most damaging in low-expression reporter assays, multiplexed panels, and live cell time-lapse experiments. This article explains the science behind both mechanisms, identifies which workflows are most vulnerable, and provides a practical troubleshooting checklist for confirming whether your dish is the source of the problem.

Scalpel injuries in research and teaching laboratories are often preventable with the right sharps handling procedures and instrument choices. This article explores the most common causes of laboratory scalpel injuries, including blade changes, improper disposal, and unsafe instrument passing. It explains how disposable and safety scalpels help reduce sharps exposure while improving workflow efficiency in educational and research environments. The guide also covers best practices for safe scalpel handling, sharps disposal compliance, teaching lab safety protocols, and injury prevention strategies for students, educators, lab managers, and research staff.

When imaging is part of the science, dish material matters. Glass bottom dishes outperform plastic across every optical metric relevant to fluorescence microscopy, confocal, TIRF, and live cell imaging. Plastic polystyrene introduces autofluorescence that degrades signal-to-noise ratio, falls outside the optical correction range of high-NA objectives, and conducts heat poorly, creating temperature gradients during long time-lapse experiments. Glass eliminates these variables: it has negligible autofluorescence, matches standard coverslip thickness (~170 µm) for full objective compatibility, and equilibrates thermally for stable live cell conditions. Plastic remains practical for routine culture, but glass is the correct choice whenever imaging quality affects your conclusions.

When your research depends on delivering extremely small, highly controlled volumes,
precision isn’t optional. It’s essential. Micro syringe pumps are designed to meet this
challenge, enabling accurate and repeatable injections at the microliter and nanoliter
scale. In this guide, we’ll explore how these systems work, when they’re needed, and
what features matter most for reliable microinjection results.

WPI will be exhibiting at ARVO 2026 in Denver (Booth #6002), showcasing TEER measurement systems, organ-on-chip technology, and microinjection tools for ophthalmology research.

With over 1,380 peer-reviewed citations, the UMP3 Microinjection Syringe Pump has become a trusted standard for precise, repeatable fluid delivery at the micro- and nanoliter scale. This article highlights how researchers across neuroscience, ophthalmology, pharmacology, and microfluidics rely on the UMP3 to ensure consistent dosing, reduce variability, and produce reproducible results in demanding experimental environments.

Neuroscience research demands exceptional precision when accessing and manipulating delicate neural structures. From cranial opening and microdissection to probing, retraction, and controlled microinjection, high-quality surgical instruments play a critical role in experimental accuracy and reproducibility. WPI offers a comprehensive range of precision tools, including microscissors, spatulas, forceps, hooks, and microsyringe systems, engineered to support reliable, repeatable workflows in university, research, and laboratory environments.

Unstable TEER readings can result from a range of technical and biological factors, from electrode condition and temperature changes to media variability and air bubbles. This article helps researchers identify the most common sources of measurement inconsistency and provides practical solutions to improve stability and reproducibility. It also clarifies how to distinguish true biological changes in barrier integrity from unwanted measurement noise, ensuring more confident interpretation of results.

This article explains how to convert raw resistance measurements into standardized TEER values (Ω·cm²) for accurate comparison of barrier integrity across experiments. It walks through the TEER formula, defines each component, and provides a clear step-by-step calculation with examples. By understanding how to properly subtract blank resistance and apply surface area normalization, researchers can generate more reliable, reproducible, and publication-ready data.

Microinjection accuracy becomes more difficult at sub-microliter volumes because small mechanical inconsistencies can change the delivered dose. Dead volume, trapped air bubbles, micro-leaks, plunger behavior, and manual technique differences all contribute to variability between injections and between users. A true gas-tight, zero-dead-volume syringe system helps maintain stable pressure and reduces sample loss, improving confidence that what you load is what you deliver. For repeatability-focused workflows, pairing the syringe with a microinjection pump can further standardize flow rate and volume, producing more consistent dosing outcomes across sessions and experiments.

Improper handling of surgical instruments in laboratory settings can compromise research quality, instrument performance, and experimental reproducibility. Precision instruments used for dissection, microsurgery, and animal research are especially vulnerable to mechanical damage, loss of sterility, and material degradation when mishandled. These issues can lead to increased costs, inconsistent results, and reduced procedural accuracy. By adopting proper handling, cleaning, sterilization, and storage practices, laboratories can extend instrument lifespan and maintain reliable performance. Choosing high-quality, research-grade surgical instruments and training staff on correct handling techniques helps protect both scientific outcomes and long-term laboratory investments.

WPI is evolving as we introduce our completely redesigned online store built to make finding and purchasing research tools easier than ever. This upgrade goes far beyond a technical refresh. It creates a faster, more intuitive, and more reliable shopping experience from any device. Visitors will notice streamlined navigation, richer product information, smarter search tools, and clearer communication from checkout through delivery. While the platform is new, WPI’s commitment to precision, quality, and customer support remains the same. Explore the new store to see how we’re enhancing the way you shop for the tools that power your science.

Proper storage and handling of petri dishes is a simple but critical part of maintaining sterility, surface integrity, and reproducible results in any research lab. Dust, humidity, scratches, or premature opening can compromise cultures long before they reach the incubator or microscope. Whether you’re using standard culture dishes, ECM-coated formats, or advanced glass-bottom dishes for imaging, following a few key best practices helps protect your samples and ensure consistent performance. This guide walks through the top tips for storing petri dishes of all types, with notes for coated and glass-bottom formats that require additional care.