If you’re in the process of applying for patents in the scientific field, you need to know about sequence listing. These clever listings display all the biological sequence data in your application in one accessible document. So, if your patent involves nucleotide or amino acid protein sequences, you’ll need this listing.

The world of biotechnology and particularly research into gene mutations is an exciting growing field so we’re anticipating that need for sequence listings will grow each year. So if you’re a scientist, researcher, or law firm working with DNA, RNA, or amino acids in any capacity listen up.

It’s important to note that you’re required to have one whether the biological sequence in question is natural or artificially created. If your biological sequence has been generated just to illustrate a component of your patent it still must be included. There are international standards that you should follow. For example, each sequence must have its own identification number.

Your listing cannot include any individual sequences containing less than 10 nucleotides or 4 amino acids. Your listing should also follow agreed vocabulary rules. Adhering to these regulations ensures your sequence listing is accepted to searchable archives used by patent offices and the public so you can see why it’s so important to get it right first time.

There are many hoops to jump through with a patent application and you don’t want to slow the process down by having to repeat a step.

How to Submit Your Sequence Listing

You’ve taken all your raw data and created your sequence listing, so what now? When you fill out your patent application your biological listing should be included in an electronic data format to allow for easy upload to the searchable archives.

When submitting to the US patent office, for US and international applications, there are three options for submission. You can upload your sequence listing as an ASCII text through an electronic filing system. Alternatively, you can submit this as a physical disc, as a traditional or paperless submission.

Once your sequence listing has been accepted by the patent office, what’s next? Well once it’s been uploaded you can continue with your scientific endeavours safe in the knowledge that it’s now in a form that will be accepted by all relevant offices.

For US and international patents, your data can now be viewed by everyone necessary from Examining Authorities to National Phase Offices. You’re well on your way to patent approval.

Assuming your work turns out to be significant, which we’re sure it will be, then having this simplified document will allow for easy sharing among your peers for related research in the future.

You can Outsource This Listing Process

If you’re now thinking, I’d rather focus on research than worrying about whether my sequence listing is acceptable then we have good news for you. There are companies who specialise in sequence listing production.

They do the hard work of simplifying all your data and ensuring it meets the relevant standards, so you only have to submit it. Many companies are embracing advancing technology and using specialised software they have designed to create sequence listings, overseen by an experienced team.

This means it’s cheaper than you’re probably expecting, and you’ll get your listing back in no time so you can keep the patent process rolling. If you want to use this option, we’d recommend choosing a company who are upfront about how much experience they have and offer a free quote service so you know how much of your budget it will take up.

This way you’ll have a sequence listing that’s approved straight away and you can focus on your research and testing.

Put as simply as possible, x-ray diffraction is the use of a beam of x-rays to reveal the structure of a crystalline object without destroying it, and it’s been used for roughly 100 years. A lab will flood a sample with incident x-rays and then measure the angles of the x-rays leaving the object, as well as the intensity.

The x-rays leaving the object are collected on a detector, in a similar manner to the x-ray plates that let doctors see your skeleton. Each material scatters the x-rays in a unique pattern, meaning this type of diffraction can be used to identify unknown crystalline materials.

The x-rays will have interacted with the atoms inside the material and can reveal their pattern so this diffraction will also show how much of the material is crystalline and how much is amorphous.

This process can also reveal the crystalline phases, put simply this means how the material’s structure will alter at different temperatures. With a relatively small sample, a lab can also evaluate the structural properties of a material.

This includes the strength of this exact specimen as it will differ from averages based on flaws and composition. The diffraction test will also show the preferred orientation and how the material will react to strain. Diffraction can even reveal the thickness of each layer of a multi-layered material.

Fields That Benefit From This Process

You may now be thinking, I don’t work in the sciences so is this relevant to me? Well, x-ray diffraction has widespread applications. Of course, it is used within science pursuits, particularly in geology to determine mineral composition. This process is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to reverse engineer medication to aid in the creation of generic drugs once patents have expired.

Outside the science world, it’s become a big part of the mining industry to differentiate between ores for the most efficient breakdown. It even has applications in the arts world, as this process is used for ceramics to determine the exact makeup of materials, so the right time is given in the kiln. As only a small sample is needed, it can also used to test each ceramics batch for quality control and product consistency.

We mentioned earlier that diffraction can show how the material will react to strain. This can be expanded to full stress testing which has benefits to any business creating products of multiple components. Knowing how each part of your product holds up against temperature changes or surface pressure lets you feel safe in the knowledge you’re providing a quality product that can cope with the stresses of use.

More and more manufacturing processes now involve adding sealants or coatings. Using x-ray diffraction can reveal if these actions have caused any changes at the basic atomic level so you know whether you need to make any structural changes to avoid the material breaking down.

X-ray diffraction has had a place in the material testing world for a long time and as technology adapts it changes to keep up. There are even portable options now so some diffraction can be done outside a lab, assuming all x-ray safety protocols are followed of course.

Pick the Right Lab to Trust

If you’re now considering finding a lab to perform XRD diffraction for you, what should you look for? Technical specs on clear display are a good place to start so you know you’ll get the level of detail you’re looking for. Checking they’ve worked with other companies in your field is a plus too, as well as an easy quotes process to save you time.

If you have no need for diffraction services, then at least you’ve learnt something new today.

Understanding the Basics: What is X-ray Diffraction and How Does it Work?

Put as simply as possible, x-ray diffraction is the use of a beam of x-rays to reveal the structure of a crystalline object without destroying it, and it’s been used for roughly 100 years. A lab will flood a sample with incident x-rays and then measure the angles of the x-rays leaving the object, as well as the intensity.

The x-rays leaving the object are collected on a detector, in a similar manner to the x-ray plates that let doctors see your skeleton. Each material scatters the x-rays in a unique pattern, meaning this type of diffraction can be used to identify unknown crystalline materials. The x-rays will have interacted with the atoms inside the material and can reveal their pattern so this diffraction will also show how much of the material is crystalline and how much is amorphous.

This process can also reveal the crystalline phases, put simply this means how the material’s structure will alter at different temperatures. With a relatively small sample, a lab can also evaluate the structural properties of a material.

This includes the strength of this exact specimen as it will differ from averages based on flaws and composition. The diffraction test will also show the preferred orientation and how the material will react to strain. Diffraction can even reveal the thickness of each layer of a multi-layered material.

Fields That Benefit From This Process

You may now be thinking, I don’t work in the sciences so is this relevant to me? Well, x-ray diffraction has widespread applications. Of course, it is used within science pursuits, particularly in geology to determine mineral composition.

This process is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to reverse engineer medication to aid in the creation of generic drugs once patents have expired. Outside the science world, it’s become a big part of the mining industry to differentiate between ores for the most efficient breakdown.

It even has applications in the arts world, as this process is used for ceramics to determine the exact makeup of materials, so the right time is given in the kiln. As only a small sample is needed, it can also used to test each ceramics batch for quality control and product consistency.

We mentioned earlier that diffraction can show how the material will react to strain. This can be expanded to full stress testing which has benefits to any business creating products of multiple components. Knowing how each part of your product holds up against temperature changes or surface pressure lets you feel safe in the knowledge you’re providing a quality product that can cope with the stresses of use.

More and more manufacturing processes now involve adding sealants or coatings. Using x-ray diffraction can reveal if these actions have caused any changes at the basic atomic level so you know whether you need to make any structural changes to avoid the material breaking down.

X-ray diffraction has had a place in the material testing world for a long time and as technology adapts it changes to keep up. There are even portable options now so some diffraction can be done outside a lab, assuming all x-ray safety protocols are followed of course.

If you’re an aspiring medical school student, you’re probably already familiar with the term Multiple Mini Interview. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) are a modern interview format increasingly adopted by medical schools worldwide to assess potential medical students’ suitability for the profession.

Unlike traditional interviews that rely on a linear question-and-answer format with a panel, the MMI consists of a series of stations where candidates encounter various scenarios, tasks, and ethical dilemmas.

Each station is designed to evaluate specific attributes essential for a successful career in medicine, such as communication skills, ethical judgment, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure. This format allows evaluators to get a comprehensive view of an applicant’s competencies and personality traits, making the MMI a crucial step in the medical school selection process.

Understanding the MMI Format

The MMI typically involves 6-10 stations, each lasting about 7-10 minutes, with a short break in between. At each station, candidates face different scenarios ranging from ethical dilemmas, role-playing situations, to traditional interview questions or tasks requiring teamwork or problem-solving skills.

Universities That Use the MMI

In Australia, universities such as Monash University, The University of Sydney, The University of Western Australia, Deakin University, The University of Melbourne, and Griffith University utilize the MMI format.

In Canada, notable institutions like McMaster University, The University of British Columbia, The University of Calgary, McGill University, and The University of Toronto have incorporated MMIs into their admissions process.

The United Kingdom sees universities like The University of Manchester, Keele University, University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, and Queen’s University Belfast adopting this interview style.

In the United States, the MMI is employed by prestigious schools including Stanford University School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. This is not an exhaustive list, and many other medical schools worldwide are also making use of the MMI to ensure a comprehensive assessment of prospective students.

Preparing for the MMI

Below are some tips on how to best prepare for the MMI:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Format: Understanding the structure and types of stations you might encounter is crucial. Many universities provide guidelines or example questions on their websites.
• Reflect on Ethical Principles in Medicine: Read up on medical ethics, including principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Consider how these principles apply in various medical scenarios.
• Practice Communication Skills: The MMI assesses your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally. Practice speaking clearly, listening actively, and maintaining appropriate body language.
• Engage in Role-Playing: Many stations involve interacting with actors in patient or colleague simulations. Practice role-playing with friends or family to improve your ability to respond empathetically and professionally in different situations.
• Stay Informed About Current Issues in Healthcare: Be aware of current challenges and developments in healthcare, both locally and globally. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during relevant stations.
• Develop a Structured Approach to Responding: For ethical or problem-solving stations, practice a systematic approach to your responses. Outline the situation, identify the key issues, consider various perspectives, and explain your reasoning.
• Participate in Mock MMIs: Simulate the MMI experience with mock interviews. Many educational institutions and online platforms offer MMI prep courses that can provide valuable practice and feedback.

Embracing the MMI Experience

Approach each station as an opportunity to showcase different facets of your personality, values, and potential as a future medical professional. The MMI is not just about finding the “right” answer but demonstrating thoughtful consideration, ethical judgment, and effective communication.

Conclusion

Success in the MMI can significantly enhance your chances of medical school admission. It requires thorough preparation, self-reflection, and a willingness to engage with complex scenarios in a compassionate and professional manner. By understanding the MMI format, honing your communication and ethical reasoning skills, and engaging in comprehensive practice, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this challenging yet rewarding stage of your medical school application journey.

Remember, the MMI is an opportunity to demonstrate that you possess the qualities essential for a career in medicine beyond academic excellence. Good luck!