Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.

Bio Break

Quick Insights into MedTech and Biotech Innovation

Welcome to Bio Break, a video series brought to you by StarFish Medical. Each episode delivers bite-sized, bio-focused insights on medical device product development and biotechnology in five minutes or less. Designed for busy innovators, Bio Break is your quick opportunity to learn something new, get inspired, and continue making an impact—all while taking a short pause in your day.

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Watch our latest Bio Break episodes

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From ELISA to At-Home COVID Tests

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck reflect on highlights from ADLM in Chicago. This episode explores how diagnostics like COVID testing evolved from lab-based ELISA methods to rapid at-home lateral flow kits—and what it means for the future of diagnostic innovation.

Why ADLM Is the Most Important Lab Diagnostics Showcase

Nick and Nigel talk about the importance of ADLM 2025 in Chicago. Hear why it’s the leading laboratory diagnostics showcase

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Past Episodes

  • Gloved hand holds fluorescent liquid over a UV-lit surface with green glow and red arrow pointing to the light, captioned ‘See the Clean?

    Fluorescent Soil Load Test

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explore a creative approach to visualizing cleaning validation using a fluorescent soil load.

  • Gloved hands insert a swab into a sealed vial beside a crossed-out O₂ symbol with the text “No Oxygen Allowed?” illustrating anaerobic sample collection.

    Anaerobic Sample Collection Explained

    Nick Allan joins Nigel Syrotuck to explore how anaerobic sample collection works and why it’s vital for studying bacteria that cannot survive in oxygen.

  • Thumbnail showing “First to Invent” with yellow exclamation marks transitioning via red arrow to “First to File” with a folder of patent documents, illustrating the shift in patent rules discussed in the Bio Break episode.

    Patent Documentation Habits

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck dive into the evolution of patent documentation habits in engineering and medical device development.

  • Thumbnail showing a medical sampling pipette with a red arrow pointing to a microscope under the text “Repurposed for Research?” illustrating medical device adaptation in scientific studies.

    Device Repurposing in Research

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck discuss device repurposing in research, sharing a story that blends microbiology, animal science, and engineering ingenuity.

  • 96-well lab plates with a red arrow pointing to a green recycling symbol, representing lab plastic recycling for sustainability in medtech.

    Lab Plastic Recycling in Medtech

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explore the massive volume of single-use plastic in labs and discuss a new company working to close the loop through a circular economy approach.

  • Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck smiling during a Bio Break Book Club episode. Nigel holds the book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.

    Bio Break Book Club: Sleep Science and Change Management

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck share what they have been reading lately. From exploring the science of sleep to diving into change management, their picks show how books can spark insight both inside and outside the lab.

  • “Hands holding books under the text ‘End-of-Summer Reads,’ highlighting FDA regulatory books and PCR memoirs.

    FDA Regulatory Books and PCR Memoirs: End-of-Summer Picks with Nick and Nigel

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck share their end-of-summer reading list, featuring FDA regulatory books and PCR memoirs. From navigating regulatory hurdles to celebrating groundbreaking discoveries, their choices show how science reading can be both educational and entertaining.

  • Pill and vial with arrows over world map. Overlay text reads: ‘Depends where’.

    Global Drug Delivery Challenges Explained

    While medical devices often dominate development conversations, the way drugs are delivered across regions can dramatically change how treatments succeed — or fail.

  • A hand holds a blue asthma inhaler against a light blue background. A red arrow points to the inhaler. Overlay text reads: ‘Used Wrong?’ in bold black letters on a white highlight.

    Inhaler Spacer Use: Are Adults Doing It Right?

    Nigel Syrotuck and Nick Allan explore the surprising reality of inhaler spacer use. While these devices are often thought of as tools for children with asthma, research shows that adults struggle with them too.