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

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

Topic: Bio Break
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In this Bio Break episode, 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.

FDA Regulatory Reading

Nigel highlights Innovation Breakdown, a book that examines the regulatory processes of the FDA. He explains that while the FDA ensures medical devices are safe and effective, the pathway to approval can be costly and complex. For innovators, this book illustrates both the challenges and safeguards within the FDA system.

PCR Discovery Through Storytelling

Nick’s pick is Dancing Naked in the Minefield by Kary Mullis. This memoir tells the story of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a discovery that transformed molecular diagnostics. Mullis’s unusual personality and candid storytelling make the book as engaging as it is informative. PCR continues to influence lab testing worldwide, and Nick reflects on its lasting importance.

End-of-Summer Science Picks

Together, Nick and Nigel offer a mix of perspectives: FDA regulatory books that reveal systemic barriers and protections, and scientific memoirs that celebrate creativity and discovery. Their end-of-summer picks capture how reading can deepen our understanding of both process and innovation.

From FDA regulations to PCR breakthroughs, these end-of-summer reads show how science books can spark insight and inspiration.

Magnified view of printed circuit board inspection during PCBA bring-up for medical device prototype development.

Bringing up a new printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) for a medical device is both exciting and high-stakes.

Engineer testing circuit board for portable medical device design using oscilloscope and microscope in electronics lab.

Several design considerations come into play when designing portable medical electronic devices, from performance, to usability, manufacturability and reliability.

Engineer testing power stability and voltage regulation on medical device PCB using lab instruments and probes.

For many medical devices, power stability isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s mission-critical.

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.

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