MDI Biological Laboratory

09/03/2026

What is a transgenic animal model? 🧬

09/02/2026

One of MDI Bio Lab’s longest-running traditions: the Stanley G. Schultz Seminar Series, better known as our beloved “Chalk Talks.”

We welcomed a dozen speakers to the Myers Pavilion for these informal weekly summer gatherings. Scientists, students and staff come together to hear about the research happening across campus, ask questions and — most importantly — talk science.

The tradition dates back decades, and it remains true to its roots: informal, curious and open to everyone. No notes, no technology (unless you count chalk and a chalkboard) and plenty of questions.

In 2024, the series was renamed in honor of Stanley G. Schultz, an MDI Bio Lab scientist who helped establish the weekly seminars. His sons, Kenneth and Jeffrey Schultz, created an endowed fund to ensure this special tradition will continue for generations to come.

Read the story behind the Chalk Talks and the family’s efforts to secure their future.

Planned giving isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to make a lasting difference. These gifts can offer tax benefits, provide income to you or your loved ones, and ensure your values live on. With thoughtful planning, you can support your family and create a legacy that helps...

09/01/2026

📘 New from researchers Patricio Silva, David Evans and Katherine Spokes, The Re**al Gland of the Shark explores decades of research into chloride transport, the scientists behind it, and the experiments that helped unravel how it works.

Available now in print and eBook from Springer Nature.

This volume describes the history and protocols related to research on the elasmobranch re**al gland and the regulation of epithelial chloride transport.

08/31/2026

This video from SURF alum Reilly Hedden in the Coffman lab illustrates a workflow of identifying fluorescently labeled neutrophils in a transgenic larva for quantification (counting).

08/27/2026

This week MDI Bio Lab is hosting the Comparative Physiology for Medical Residents short course for residents at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. We're seeing lots of great things in the classroom, including this amazing whiteboard lesson showing pathways that regulate gastric acid secretion.

Drawing by Medical Resident Kevin Xia with help from his team members Eunice Odusanya, Gabriel Cojuc Konigsberg, Alice Schaack & Nicholas Rosen.

08/26/2026

A new story from Colby College highlights how a summer research experience at MDI Biological Laboratory helped inspire Colby student David Tettey Tawiah ’27 to reimagine science education in Ghana through Sankofa Lab. 🌍🔬

David Tettey Tawiah ’27 is taking what he learned at Colby and the MDI Bio Lab to inspire a new generation of West African scientists

08/25/2026

For 25 years, has invested in the people, ideas and infrastructure that strengthen biomedical research across Maine. Explore how that investment continues to spark innovation and build the next generation of scientists.

https://ow.ly/ch7v50ZyxQj

08/24/2026

📚 Have you been following along with MDI Bio Lab's Light Microscopy Facility's "Fundamentals—From zero to confident" on YouTube?

If not, you can catch up with this lesson on Darkfield Microscopy and take a look at any others you might have missed.

Block all the direct light. Let only scattered light reach the obje...

08/21/2026

Summer isn't quite over at MDI Bio Lab. ☀️🌊

There’s still plenty of sunshine, sparkle and beauty on the water. We’ll be soaking up every bit of it while we can.

08/20/2026

A new profile in STAT News explores the journey of Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, MDI Bio Lab Director of Science Education and Outreach. From discovering science as a college student to earning her Ph.D., conducting research at The Jackson Laboratory and MDI Biological Laboratory, and ultimately finding her calling in science education and communication.

Her story is a powerful reminder that changing minds takes more than facts. It takes patience, understanding and meaningful conversations.

Immunologist Liz Marnik, who grew up unvaccinated, says shaming people who distrust science will do nothing to improve vaccine acceptance.