Category: Biomedical research

Originally developed in the early 1980s, the N2 supplement revolutionized neural cell culture by providing a chemically defined, serum-free alternative to traditional fetal bovine serum. The specific components of N2 supplement are instrumental for ensuring the viability, growth, and proper differentiation of neuronal cells, minimizing experimental variability and supporting highly specialized neurobiological studies.

In neuroscience, over 90% of cells in a healthy brain are neurons or glial cells, underscoring the need for specialized media to study them effectively. This is where the N2 supplement becomes critical, as it is a chemically defined, serum-free additive designed specifically to support the growth and survival of neuronal cell types in vitro.

Microbiome research is fraught with complexity, and one meta-analysis revealed significant variation in gut microbial community structure influenced by even a simple factor like a high-fat diet. This variability is just one of many issues that arise when studying the microbiome, which collectively hinder our ability to draw consistent and reliable conclusions about its impact on health.