I did it! I won Cheese Weekly's Cheese Challenge 2011!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for teaching me to love cheeses of all varieties. I will gladly share my cheesy bounty with you. I'd also like to thank my co-workers. They've always been supportive and IÕm honored to work with them. I foresee many cheese baskets in their future.

All in all, it's been a great year, full of new research and products and lots of warm, caring people. I hope 2012 is just as cheese-a-rific.

Happy Holidays,

- IRP

Since November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Ithought I'd take the opportunity to talk a little bit about LI-COR's role in Cancer Research. Our instruments are used globally to help with research and drug development. You can reference our educational resources for more information on applications.

While you're doing that, make sure you stop by our Translational Research page and see how LI-COR's IRDye^® 800CW labeled imaging agents are being used for fluorescence-assisted cancer surgery.

This is just one example of how science research gives back!

Sincerely,

- IRP

Did you know that the Vitruvian Man is all about geometry? And while Leonardo da Vinci is the one who is responsible for the famous drawing, it was the Roman architect Vitruvius who described the human body as the principle source of proportion in architecture.

This was all news to me. I learned a lot as I was volunteering as a still-life model for the local art academy. The whole experience was great, and they gave me this great t-shirt as a memento. HereÕs to this year's Halloween costume. DaVin-Cheese!!

Sincerely,

- IRP

In a sea of red and corncob foam hats I stuck out likeLimburger in a lily bouquet.

Our IRDye^® infrared dyes stick out too, but in a good way. Two wavelengths for multiplexing, distinctive and informative images - they're great.

Anyway, back to the game. I couldn't believe how super-sensitive the guy next to me was about my cheese hat. It seemed appropriate when I left the house, but apparently only corncob hats are preferred in this stadium. Phew. These fans love their football even more than I love cheese and infrared dyes.

I guess once you see the light and become a fan of something it's hard to make the switch, but just as Big John recommended to me about switching from my cheese hat to a corncob, I recommend you check out the possibilities of detecting with IRDye infrared dyes.

Sincerely,

- IRP

Sometimes a mouse can't help but bring his work home with him. For instance, the other night I had this amazing dream where I was walking the Red Carpet with Lola Lake, a world renowned science and technology guru, at the premier of LI-COR's Pearl^® Impulse. Of course, Lola was raving about the sensitivity and simplicity of this designer instrument. She went on and on about the reliable and reproducible results. I tried to talk with her and even offered her some cheese popcorn. Just when I thought I had her attention, I woke up.

Too bad for me the dream wasn't true. But lucky for you, everything Lola said is true. If you're interested in in vivo imaging make sure you check out the Pearl Impulse and all of the accessories soon!

Sincerely,

- IRP

Wow. July already. These past few months have been very busy! I've hardly had time to blog. Turns out a lot of preparation goes into a 40th Anniversary. But its worth it to be a part of cutting edge science.

That's why I thought it would be fun to share my love of science (and cheese) with a younger generation. Some of my fondest memories are from Kamp and so when I volunteered for Science day at Kid Kamp 2011, I was eager to help young scientists make similar memories. Instead of boating, hiking, or playing an instrument, I taught the kids about changingstates of matter using milk and heat. I'm not sure they were as interested as I was at their age, but it was a nice way to spend a summer afternoon. And the cheese we made wasn't bad either!

Sincerely,

- IRP

It's been a "Gouda" forty years! This month marks the celebration of Licor's 40th anniversary. Our company has a solid history of innovative products and caring employees. Check out the history of Licor here.

Sincerely,

- IRP

Any Holiday is worth celebrating when it means I can hand out a nice big cheesebasket. That's why May Day is so great. I can leave it anonymously and friends and family can enjoy a tasty treat as Spring blossoms around them.

Sincerely,

- IRP

Have you ever heard the phrase "Plant a Tree for your Tomorrow?" Well, during the month of April, people all around celebrate Arbor Day and do just that. I decided to help out, but with each tree planted, I couldn't help but wonder what the world would be like if cheese grew on trees...

If cheese grew on trees:

Sincerely,

- IRP

I swore I'd never run again after last year's painful broken limb debacle. But when I heard Incred-I-Cheese was hosting a Cancer Research Run, I knew it was time to try again. The thought of a finish line of spray cheese was enough to get me going and when it was time for the race, I was ready to go.

The cheese wasn't my only incentive to run, because Li-Cor is continually supporting and developing research tools to help advance cancer research. We've even got a website to highlight examples of applications and techniques where our IRDye Infrared Dye products contribute to the understanding of cancer and the search for cures.

The run was a great experience. I finished with all my limbs intact and I know that all the money raised will be invaluable for future research. Some of which I've seen firsthand. Of course, let's not forget the spray cheese party at the end of the run. That was pretty great too.

Sincerely,

- IRP

February is best known for Valentine's Day- a day for flowers and hearts and candy and love. But where does that leave cheese? Alone, that's where. And I, Roger Isaac Photon, am not about to let the cheese stand alone on such a day. That is why I threw "Photon's Fancy Fundraiser for Future Family Fortune" (PFFFFF).

While volunteering at the People's Free Clinic, I met the Limburger family. I remembered them for this fundraiser because of my fondness for Limburger cheese. I decided they could use some good fortune and they became the recipients of the First Annual 'PFFFFF' Grant. I chose to host a cheese tasting event because cheese is what I know. There's nothing better than helping others and eating cheese at the same time. All the money raised during our fundraiser went toward the grant. The cheese may still not have much of a place when it comes to Valentine's Day, but I know the Limburger family has a new appreciation for what cheese can do.

Sincerely,

- IRP

I'm too excited, and busy, excited and busy to explain, but… Cheese Weekly announced its yearly "Cheese Challenge" contest in its January 2011 issue. The following is my entry letter to the judges:

Dear Cheese Weekly Cheese Challenge Judges:

Hello. My name is Isaac Roger Photon and I am a fan of cheese. You name it and I like it. It's my favorite thing in the world and I'm always trying to expand my knowledge of all things cheesy. First and foremost, I am a card-holding, platinum level member of the National Cheese Association. I make it a point to attend every convention, not only to sample cheeses, but to share these experiences with fellow cheese connoisseurs.

I also have a subscription to Cheese Weekly magazine and read every issue from cover to cover. Not only is the crossword puzzle fantastic, but the reviews have opened my mind to cheeses I might not have otherwise discovered. Cheese Weekly also introduced me to the Midwestern Cheese Project. Its a local initiative that works to boost opportunities for area farmers, encouraging them to create new varieties of cheeses. It's my dream to have them name a cheese after me.

Now, some of you reading this might be wondering "Why on earth is this handsome mouse so obsessed with cheese? Is it all he thinks about?"

Cheese has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but when I'm not thinking about it, I'm working for LI-COR^® Biosciences where I help promote their instruments and reagents for world wide use. LI-COR is part of the reason I've been able to try so many cheeses from around the world. Our instruments are located globally and help further research in a variety of areas, including cancer, neuroscience, cell biology, cardiovascular research, infectious disease, drug discovery, and so much more.

Because of everything LI-COR has done for this 'handsome mouse', I'd like the opportunity to give back. Pay it forward. That's why winning Cheese Weekly's year-supply of cheese is so important to me. Giving back to my co-workers as well as my community lets them know how much I appreciate them and all they do. A year's supply of cheese would be a treat for all and would allow me to share something I love with those around me.

Join me each month as I blog about my cheesetastic adventures in giving back and working toward my goal.

Sincerely,

- IRP

What a spectacular year! I decided to showcase the accomplishments of the year, by decking the halls with the festive colors of the 700 nm and 800nm channels of the Odyssey. The brilliant hues of red and green remind me of why I love LI-COR so much. I can't wait to get back and start a new adventure. See you all next year!

Until next time,

- IRP

After all the partying and fun, it was time to get back to work. I've been running a very intense experiment using LI-COR's IRDye^® conjugated secondary antibodies. They're fantastic! These antibody conjugates are optimized for high sensitivity and excellent signal-to-noise performance on LI-COR imaging systems. It's going great. I must not have cleared my mind of all the IgG forms because I woke up after a vivid dream about donkeys, goats, rats, rabbits and chickens (oh my!) It was intense. They were all involved in a therapy session discussing the reasons they were so opposed to each other. The donkey was anti goat and chicken, the goat was anti rabbit, rat and mouse (I think he was most offended when the mouse expressed a liking for goat cheese). Given the Donkey's extreme dislike for chickens, I felt a bit sorry for him as they clucked around his head. I woke up before the psychologist could convince them to get along. I guess I'll never know.

Until next time,

- IRP

Who knows how to throw a great party? Me, that's who. It took me a couple of days and a lot of cheese therapy to get over my abduction. But once I did, I was able to throw myself into planning a costume party for all the researchers. Last year I was the new mouse on the block and no one recognized me. This year, I decided to go all out. As I hinted last month, I went for the whole swashbuckling, cheese-stealing, Pirate look. The big surprise of the night was Stu, who decided to come to the party dressed as…me. I was incredibly flattered and realized that, mistaken identities aside, I've managed to make an impact on the scientific community here at UIT.

Until next time,

- IRP

I know it's not Thanksgiving yet, but this month is all about "thank you". First, I'd like to thank the dairy industry for doing a service to their community by posting missing peoples' pictures on their milk cartons. Second, I'd like to thank the individual who noticed I was missing and put my picture on the carton. Finally, I'd like to thank the new intern, Willard, for drinking milk every day. Not only does it do a body good but, his healthy habits are the reason for my release (it only took him 27 days, three hours and forty-five minutes to realize he'd nabbed the wrong research subject).

Here's some good news: Now that I'm out I can focus on planning this year's fall costume party. I've already got my outfit all figured out. It's going to be ARRRGH-uably the best party ever. :)

Until next time,

- IRP

It's been rough transition since the interns showed up last month. Just a few days ago I was mistaken as an ordinary lab subject and captured by an Animal Quarters Technician in training. Without a second look, or even a chance to explain, he locked me in with Dr. Meyer's newest group of mice. I'm writing now – a bit late – because I've finally managed to get near a computer. Unfortunately I'm yet to escape or convince the technician that I don't belong here.

If you're reading this I could use your help!

- IRP

Speaking of disasters…last month was NOTHING compared to this month.

Good things come to those who wait. I don't know who said that, but they weren't kidding, because the opposite can certainly be true. I was in a hurry the other day, trying to leave work for the Independence Day picnic when a certain mishap took place. I was teaching a group of interns about proper lab techniques when the disaster struck. I pointed to a bottle on the counter and asked one of the interns to hand it to me. Two seconds later the lab exploded. Okay, not really, but there was a loud bang followed by a plume of smoke. Oops. I guess the interns learned a lesson they won't ever forget: always wear appropriate PPE and the flammable warning label on bottles is there for a reason. Luckily the damage was minimal and Dr. Meyer had been talking about remodeling anyway. Plus, I still got to leave in time to see the real fireworks.

Until next time…

- IRP

Every day at lunch I get a slice of Swiss cheese and a big glass of ice cold milk. Today I was making my way to my usual spot over by the big window that overlooks the parking lot (because I like to people watch) when there was an uproar in the cafeteria. Chairs flew, a table fell and people scrambled. It would seem the summer interns have arrived. I should have noticed, as they were the only ones wearing lab coats outside of the lab. Silly summer interns. I guess I caught them by surprise. A young lady near me was gasping 'mouse' like it was a bad thing. I thought she was referring to my distant cousin, the common house mouse, but, alas, she was screaming about me. It's a good thing I had my employee badge, otherwise it could have taken me a long time to explain. What a disaster.

Until next time…

- IRP

Surprise! For those of you who don't already know, a very important day in history takes place on May 28th. That's right, scientists, Isaac Roger Photon celebrates another year on that very day. Typically I commemorate this event with my mom's famous cheesecake and a little bit of Birthday singing. But this year, I was away and had resigned myself to catching up in the lab after my medical leave (I'll never exercise again. My leg is still giving me problems when it rains.) Much to my surprise, when I reported to the Mousepod for duty, the lights flashed on and the mouse party began. The rest of the crew had planned quite the celebration. They even sent out for my mom's famous cheesecake. There were games, refreshments, noisemakers, even a few 'cheesy' science jokes. We defined the term "Party Like a Scientist". I now have four new words to say: Best Birthday Party Ever!!!

Until next time…

- IRP

This month brings me to something I like to call a meeting of the greatest mouse minds in the world. Three of the most famous mice I know gave a special talk on the Impact of Exercise on Metabolism and boy was that interesting, and not just because they had a bit of a hard time navigating the stage. I can sympathize with their disorientation, especially having spent hours in the dark room developing Western blot after Western blot after Western blot.

I spoke with some fellow mice after the presentation and thinking about the dark room had me raving about how I can still use my old chemiluminescent protocols but avoid the dark room all-together... ChemiIR LI-COR Bioscience’s IRDye® coupled anti-HRP is used in the last step of the protocol and allows me to scan my blots on the Odyssey® Infrared Imager then quantify the bands within the software. It’s easy-cheesy and so much better than fumbling around in the darkroom or dealing with under or over exposed blots, which leaves me time to go to great seminars and learn new things.

Until next time…

- IRP

Well, the leg is still broken. I’m still out trying to heal. But I’ve been keeping up with everything that’s going on at UIT while I’m stuck recuperating. While I love Mousebook, and love to stay in contact with my coworkers, someone got a hold of the image from my accident and posted it without my knowledge. But that’s ok. It’s traveled far and wide and a lot of people are impressed, and not just because I’m so handsome. They like the fact that they can use the IRDye Bone Tag optical probe in conjunction with other agents to help pinpoint the location of primary targets.

Although I’m down and out, work is still getting done. The LI-COR Blot Washer has been a big help. It’s freed up our scientists time by automating the Western blot washing process. This gives them time to pitch in with some of my work, while still making headway on their own projects. It’s win-win. Well, except for me. I’m almost out of cheese.

Until next time…

- IRP

The good news is UIT’s safety team responded immediately. The bad news is my lab obstacle course fitness program is no longer an option. I was climbing the Tube Rack Wall when the impossible happened, it disappeared and I lost my footing. I guess Dr. Earl N. Meyer really needed it for his experiment.

For a second, I was free falling, but then I hit the lab bench. But, before I could squeak in pain the safety team was there. Dr. Meyer had realized his mistake and called them immediately when he saw me fall. The safety team’s quick response and teamwork, saved my life…or at least my leg. They rushed me to the imaging room and put me on the Pearl. Even though I was in pain, I saw this as an opportunity for the team to see the IRDye Bone Tag in action. Broken leg aside, everyone got a good look at my fabulous bone anatomy and structure. I might have to try modeling next, once this leg heals up.

Until next time…

- IRP

The Holidays were great! Spending time with family, eating all the good food, left me with a warm feeling in my heart and some extra grams around the waist-line. But that’s ok. I’m an innovative mouse with mad multi-tasking skills.

I was using the MPX (Multiplexer) Blotting System when it hit me, I too could increase my throughput, maximize efficiency and decrease costs. The MPX is designed to adapt existing Western blotting procedures to screen multiple samples and I want to adapt the lab to sweat off multiple grams and save money on pesky gym memberships. And because the MPX helps optimize my experiments efficiently, I have a few extra moments to get started on my workout routine. I’m thinking a few stir bar weights, some Erlenmeyer flask bar bells and ring stand pull-ups ought to get me in fighting form in no time. I’m already starting to feel the benefits.

Until next time…

- IRP

It was a good idea, in theory. As you’ve probably already surmised, my Holiday gift plan was spoiled, literally. I forgot about UIT’s winter break. I proudly delivered my gifts on Christmas Eve before heading home to spend time with my family. I returned from break to find my labmates and friends buried in a very fragrant surprise. The smoked Gouda I’d given them had gone bad. The smell was so pungent it was all I could do to run into the lab and jump into the Pearl Clean Box. Luckily it was attached to the docking station inside the fume hood. Thank goodness for my short stature and outside ventilation.

One good thing that came from this experience is that I realized that people are really starting to recognize me. I was the first one they blamed for the cheesy presents. Eh, you win some. You lose some. I think this was a win.

By the way, I definitely had some time to think about the situation. It took awhile for Dr. Meyer to free me from my wedged position inside the clean box. The fit was a bit tighter than I remembered, either that, or I gained a few grams over the holidays. Ma always did make the best cheesecake.

Until next time…

- IRP

Fine reagents are like a fine cheese. Once you’ve tasted the woodsy flavor of a fine piece of Smoked Gouda, there’s no going back. Just like once you’ve experience the beauty of IRDye^® infrared dyes, you won’t go back, either. IRDye provides high quality data and images. Click here to read more about IRDye infrared dyes.

Speaking of images, I went to have my annual Holiday Photo taken. Let me tell you, I was having an awful ear day. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s definitely not pretty. So my picture plans went awry. I never knew ears could flop so many different ways. I guess Ma and Pa and the rest of the family won’t be getting a picture this year. I’ll also have to think of something else to give to all my friends at UIT.

All this talk about quality products and quality cheese has made me hungry. Hmmm… that gives me an idea!

Until next time…

- IRP

Time sure flies when you’re having fun. That’s definitely how I feel here at UIT. One of my first objectives was to get to know everyone. It’s important that I’m recognized as LI-COR’s official spokesmouse. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to socialize with my peers than at UIT’s annual Fall Costume Ball.

I was chatting with a gentleman, whom I’ll refer to as Captain Stu. He was a little concerned about the non-specific binding and background noise of his western blots. What Captain Stu didn’t know, was that no single blocking buffer is suitable for all antigen/antibody pairs. I told him to try optimizing his conditions with LI-COR’s blocking buffers sample pack meant for optimizing blocking conditions on a case-by-case basis.

Stu was thrilled with this news, but he had one more question for me…

Silly pirate, what do you mean “And who are you supposed to be?” I’m Isaac Roger Photon, Spokesmouse. I guess this means I have more work ahead of me. Until next time…

- IRP

It’s my first day at the University of Innovative Technology (UIT). Everyone knows that first days can be nerve-wracking; but, me, I’m not nervous. This is all cheesecake. My role as spokesmouse for LI-COR Biosciences has been all about reaching out to the scientific community to let them know about our products—the instruments, accessories and reagents. Now, I’m on campus at UIT to do that very thing.

This morning I got to meet with Dr. Earl N. Meyer. He’s UIT’s resident expert on chemiluminescent Western blot detection. Boy was he surprised when I told him that, with the Odyssey® Infrared Imaging System, he’s not going to need x-ray film, developer, etc. anymore.

The great thing about the Odyssey is that it’s a flexible system with many applications. With the Odyssey’s ability for two color detection and precise quantification, Dr. Meyer’s Western blots can now produce data with wide linear ranges and high sensitivity in a shorter amount of time. What’s not to like about that?

To say he was impressed is an understatement. He’s going to tell everyone in his lab about the Odyssey and what it can do. But my job here at UIT isn’t done. LI-COR has many products that both support the Odyssey and expand its imaging platform. The next sixteen months are going to be exciting as I do my best to share my knowledge to help further the research of scientists everywhere. Check back here, as I update each month, to share my journey at UIT. You never know what surprises are in store and this is certainly going to be an adventure.

Until next time…

- IRP