Practical notes from the bench

Short, tested guides for cleaner technique and better yields.

Punch vs. scalpel: cleaner agar transfers

Same-size plugs, fewer drops, and less time with the plate open.

5 min read Substrate

Mixing CVG that hits field capacity every time

The base recipe, bucket pasteurization, and the squeeze test.

6 min read Tools

Why your tweezers won't heat in an induction sterilizer

Magnetic steel, a fridge-magnet test, and a cleaner workflow.