The hidden language of RNA – how epigenetics is shaping medicine

05/14/25 • 31 min

This episode teaches that innovation is born at the intersection of curiosity and persistence. Dr. Gudrun Stengel, co-founder and CEO of Alida Biosciences, reveals how her startup is transforming the landscape of RNA research through a novel technology called proximity barcoding. Dr. Stengel’s story exemplifies the power of entrepreneurial spirit in driving scientific discovery, offering a glimpse into how one idea can reshape an entire field.

At Alida Biosciences, Dr. Stengel and her team are pioneering new tools for detecting RNA modifications, a largely unexplored realm of epigenetics. Using their proximity barcoding platform, researchers can read multiple RNA modifications simultaneously, uncovering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. This technology bridges a critical gap in multiomics, allowing scientists to dive deeper into how epigenetic changes influence gene expression and cellular behavior.

Beyond the lab, Dr. Stengel shares her experience as a first-time founder, balancing scientific rigor with startup life. From managing a team to fundraising, her journey underscores the importance of resilience, optimism, and maintaining a long-term vision. She also offers valuable advice for budding scientists, encouraging them to embrace challenges and remain persistent in the face of setbacks.

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Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Previous Episode

Sustainability made simple – greener choices in molecular biology

Sustainability in the lab isn't just a trend—it's a responsibility. In this quick but powerful Mol Bio Minutes episode, sustainability expert Sune Lund Sporring shares actionable tips to reduce energy use, manage lab waste, and transition to greener materials like Thermo Fisher’s Sustain Series bio-based plastics.

Discover the difference between bio-based and biodegradable, why second-generation feedstocks are a game-changer, and how to make low-impact changes without compromising performance. Learn how small shifts—like using aluminum beads instead of water in a bath or switching to carbon-reduced plastics—can significantly cut your lab’s carbon footprint. And remember: if greener options aren’t available, your demand can help shape the market.

Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:

My Green Lab – Facts and resources about lab sustainability
Energy use of fume hoods – Energy use and savings ideas for fume hoods
Greener by Design – Thermo Fisher’s approach to green solutions
Lab ArmorTM Beads – A sustainable option to replace water in water baths
Instrument trade up program – trade in your equipment to be green and give it a second life
Lab plastic waste – Stats about plastic waste in labs
Doing something about it – Thermo Fisher’s lower carbon plastics solution
Sustain Series PCR plastics – Lower carbon footprint, without workflow interruption
Reasons to believe – Fact sheet about Sustain Series PCR plastics

Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Next Episode

Fast PCR fundamentals – from instruments to enzymes

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Laurynas Alijošius breaks down how to run fast PCR to save time and increase lab efficiency. He explains how to choose the right thermal cycler with fast ramp speeds, select low-volume and thin-walled PCR plastics, and use engineered DNA polymerases that offer rapid elongation and hot-start capability. Laurynas also covers practical tips for optimizing reaction components, shortening cycling protocols, and reducing waste. Whether you’re aiming to finish your experiment before dinner or streamline your workflow long-term, this episode delivers everything you need to master the art of fast PCR.

Helpful resource links mentioned in this episode:

Molecular biology handbook – An extensive resource for all things molecular biology
Applied Biosystems thermal cyclers – Including those that support fast PCR
PCR consumables – Four key attributes to consider
PCR plastics selection tool – Find the right plastics for your instrument and fast PCR
DNA polymerases – Four key characteristics to know and consider
PCR setup optimization – Six critical things to optimize for optimal PCR results
Enzymes and master mixes – Get the right reagents to drive your PCR reaction
Cycling optimization – Instrument considerations for PCR success

Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.