From the lab

Blog

Field notes, lab updates, mycology deep-dives, and barcoding stories.

18 Mar 2026 · diy, lab setup, budget, beginner
Building a DIY molecular biology lab on a budget

You don't need a university lab to do DNA barcoding. Here's the minimum viable setup for under $800.

12 Mar 2026 · tutorial, report, explainer
Reading your DNA barcoding report: a guide for non-scientists

Identity percentages, chromatograms, phylogenetic trees — here's how to interpret every section of your DNA barcoding report.

05 Mar 2026 · tutorial, sampling, fungi, beginner
A beginner's guide to collecting fungal samples for DNA barcoding

How to collect fungal tissue samples that give clean DNA sequences. Avoid the #1 mistake beginners make.

25 Feb 2026 · mycology, lion's mane, investigation, sieni
Why your Lion's Mane might not be Lion's Mane

Some Australian Lion's Mane products contain a different species entirely. Here's what DNA barcoding revealed about Hericium species substitution.

15 Feb 2026 · science, barcoding, explainer
What is DNA barcoding and why should you care?

A mushroom in the bush. A bracket fungus on a log. How do you know what it is? DNA barcoding gives you the definitive answer.