Bento Lab

Genome sequencing goes off-grid! 🚐🧬

Researchers from Johns Hopkins successfully sequenced the Red Coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum piceus) genome using a mobile lab in a camper van.

Using a ONT Nanopore P2 Solo sequencing and Bento Lab, they show that genomes can be assembled at relatively low cost and without the need for a large laboratory.

🐍 Nuclear & mitochondrial genomes of Masticophis flagellum piceus sequenced
🐍 Genome BUSCO completeness score better than most current snake genomes
🐍 All work done in field- or field-simulated settings

A great step toward decentralising and democratizing genomics, especially for research in remote locations!

You can read the article here:

Scott & Mohr (2026). A Nanopore-Only Assembly of a Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome of a Red Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum piceus). Genes, 17(3), 307.
https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17030307

Images copyright Alan F. Scott.

Can high school students contribute real data to biodiversity research by learning PCR?

In a pioneering project, BeeCode Berlin enabled students to get hands-on experience with PCR and DNA barcoding by leading them in an investigation of the genetic diversity of honeybees across Berlin.

Using Bento Lab for DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, students worked with samples from local hives and produced barcode sequences to contribute to public DNA databases.

Find out about:

🐝 What the project discovered about Berlin’s honeybee populations
🐝 Why genetic diversity matters for honeybee health and conservation
🐝 The hackathon-style sessions where students analysed DNA sequences independently

🔗 Read the full story here:

Honeybee DNA Barcoding for Subspecies Identification Discover how BeeCode Berlin used Bento Lab to empower high school students in DNA barcoding honeybees, uncovering Berlin’s bee genetic diversity. Learn about honeybee subspecies and hands-on citizen science.