6 sources for high-quality lab protocols

Protocols are the “cooking” recipes of experimental science. Not only do they provide all the information a researcher needs to set up experiments in their labs, but also the instructions on how to reproduce them whenever needed. Sometimes though, protocols can be ambiguous and trying a new one can be challenging, especially if no one in the lab has tried it before. So, it’s always recommended to search for good and tested protocols from a reputable source.

If you’re wondering where to find high-quality protocols for your own research, here are 6 great places to get protocols.


1. Nature Protocols

This online journal contains high-quality, peer-reviewed protocols presented in a recipe-style format. It adds new protocols on a weekly basis together with a featured protocol, which is made freely available for one week.


2. Bio-protocol

Created in 2011 by a group of Stanford scientists, Bio-protocol is a free online peer-reviewed protocol journal. What makes this website unique is that users can contact the authors via their “Q&A” feature and post their feedback so that protocols can be updated.


3. Protocols.io

This open-access protocol repository partners directly with PLOS and allows researchers to deposit their lab protocols while having them directly linked to the Methods section of their articles. It is highly interactive, allowing users to follow each experiment step-by-step on the internet in realtime and to note changes, thereby creating a precise electronic record of the experimental details.


4. Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE)

If you find it difficult to follow written protocols, then JoVE might be a good option for you. JoVE produces videos of scientific experiments along with text-based protocols for each demonstration, which can be translated into several languages like German, Chinese, and Spanish.


5. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual

This book has been the worldwide laboratory mainstay for protocols and technical expertise for 30 years. Not only can you find protocols related to molecular cloning, but also the principles behind them. Plus, the last edition also includes chapters on bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing, RNAi and epigenetics.


6. The company that developed the product

Companies want researchers who use their products to succeed. Therefore, many companies invest time in creating protocols for their users. So why not go to the source? If you’re a NanoTemper user, you can find dozens of tested protocols in the Explorer Community.


So whether you’re looking for a protocol for the first time or wishing to replicate a study, be sure to turn to tested, peer-reviewed protocols.