Business

Revolutionizing Single-Cell RNA-seq With Automated Cell Counters: Insights From Logos Biosystems

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2024

Despite its relative newness, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become an essential component of modern biological research.

It can be used to characterize abnormal cell populations, discover and analyze rare cell cellular map networks, and discover subtle yet notable heterogeneities.

scRNA-seq has come a long way since its origins in next-generation sequencers from the late 1990s. While traditional sequencing methods measure a bulk of a cell population to determine its “average genome,” scRNA-seq is significantly more precise. It locates and extracts genomes from individual cells, using each cell to tell part of the genetic story of a greater whole.

Although single-cell sequencing provides valuable information, the process has several drawbacks depending on the method used.

For example, Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) uses a laser to isolate target cells from a complete solid tissue sample located on a microscope slide. This approach is quick, reliable, and also usable on intact tissues, but it requires the user to identify target cells through visual inspection of their morphology. Cells can also be damaged in the process.

Other methods, like Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) or Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), come with positives and negatives. Regardless of the approach, advancements in single-cell sequencing technology require significant time and investment, making access to newer and more efficient technologies a barrier to progress.

Overcoming Obstacles With Technological Advancement

When manually counting cells in scRNA-seq analysis, adequately going through each cell can take a huge amount of time and resources. This process also has a high margin of error, sometimes making it difficult to justify the effort.

Moreover, when cell counts are inaccurate for scRNA-seq analysis, overall data quality becomes less reliable, making the research outcomes less reliable and further exacerbating the original issues of time and cost.

With so much time and capital going toward this research, the data it produces should be worthwhile. However, the quality of the data ultimately relies on the quality of the sample before processing, which is where Logos Biosystems and their LUNA-FX7 Automated Cell Counter come in.

Enhancing Research Capabilities

Logos Biosystems is a leader in automated cell counting technology and scRNA-seq analysis and is known for developing the award-winning LUNA Cell Counter family.

Founded in 2008, the company has lived up to its motto of “seeing beyond the cell” by working to improve human health through imaging solutions that help researchers gather quality data in a timely fashion.

Their LUNA series of cell counters specializes in improving research accuracy and efficiency by allowing scientists to spend less time dealing with the monotony of cell counting and more time making valuable observations and implementing solutions.

The LUNA-FX7 Automated Cell Counter gives precise and reliable cell counts. It improves the quality of scRNA-seq analysis and takes less time than other automated counters.

This device has many invaluable features, such as increased size for sample throughput, an expanded cell concentration range, built-in QC software, validation slides for fluorescence, and brightfield to allow for daily QC monitoring and reporting.

Making Research Matter

Incorporating an automated cell counter like the LUNA-FX7 more broadly in scRNA-seq would improve research outcomes and accelerate scientific discoveries. Having machines take care of menial tasks frees up time for scientists and researchers to use their critical and creative thinking skills to push progress in their respective fields forward in ways machines couldn’t do alone.

Applications for automated cell counting technology are almost limitless, including research into developmental studies, immunology, oncology, neurobiology, diabetes, microbiology, and much more. Being able to quickly and precisely profile, identify, classify, and discover rare or new cell types from across the human body allows greater insight into these disciplines and what they can do for human health and growth.

The exciting future of single-cell RNA sequencing lies in the seamless integration of these automated technologies. As they become more widely adopted, they will pave the way for more innovative discoveries that could shape the understanding of biology and medicine. With technologies like Logos Biosystems’ LUNA-FX7, the question of whether the scientific community can see transformative discoveries is now mute as it continues to work to enhance precision and efficiency in cell evaluation, which is vital for scRNA-seq experiments to be successful to not only advance science but also improve human health and well-being on a global scale.

Business

Click for Counsel: YesLawyer Wants to Make Lawyers as Accessible as Wi-Fi

Published

5 days ago

April 1, 2026

Matthew Wiles

Photo Courtesy of: YesLawyer

Byline: Andi Stark

For many people facing a legal problem, the most difficult part is not understanding their rights but finding a lawyer willing to speak with them in the first place. Long wait times, unclear pricing, and administrative hurdles often delay even the most basic consultations. YesLawyer, an AI-enabled plaintiff firm operating across all 50 states, is testing whether technology can shorten that gap.

Founded in 2024 by 25-year-old entrepreneur Rob Epstein, the platform offers free intake, automated screening, and, in many cases, same-day conversations with licensed attorneys. The idea is simple: reduce the friction between a client’s first request for help and an actual legal discussion. In this interview, Epstein explains how the system works, where artificial intelligence fits into the process, and what problems the company is trying to address in the broader legal system

Q: When you say you want lawyers to be “as accessible as Wi-Fi,” what does that mean in practical terms?

A: It’s a way of describing speed and availability. Someone dealing with a workplace dispute, a serious injury, or an immigration issue should be able to move from an online form or phone call to a real conversation with counsel in hours, not weeks. YesLawyer is structured so that a client begins with a free case evaluation, goes through automated conflict checks and basic screening, and, in many instances, speaks with a lawyer the same day.

Q: How does the process work once someone contacts the platform?

A: We use a structured workflow. It starts with a short questionnaire and an initial conversation to capture basic facts. That information feeds into conflict checks and internal review. The system then proposes a match with a licensed attorney and provides a calendar link for a virtual consultation, often within 24 hours. After the meeting, the client receives a written legal plan outlining next steps, deadlines, and estimated fees.

Q: Where does artificial intelligence fit into that process, and where does it stop?

A: AI is used for organizing and routing information, not for giving legal advice. It helps with conflict checks at scale, case categorization, and structured summaries so attorneys can focus on the substance of the matter. Every consultation is conducted by a licensed lawyer, and all decisions about strategy or next steps are made by humans.

Q: What problem is this model trying to solve in the current legal system?

A: Delay and cost are still major barriers. Many civil plaintiffs face long waits just to get a first appointment, along with high retainers and hourly billing that make early legal advice risky. We try to respond with faster consultations, flat-fee options, and financing. The idea is to remove administrative friction so lawyers spend less time on logistics and more time speaking with clients.

Q: Some critics say platforms like this blur the line between a technology company and a law firm. How do you describe YesLawyer?

A: We describe ourselves as a national, AI-enabled plaintiff firm that connects clients with independent attorneys. That structure does raise regulatory questions, especially around responsibility and oversight. We focus on licensing verification, attorney-written case plans, and clear communication about fees and services.

Q: You’ve said the main bottleneck is “systems” rather than people. What do you mean by that?

A: The issue isn’t that lawyers don’t want to help more people. It’s that the systems around them make it hard to scale their time. Intake, scheduling, and document handling take hours. Automating those parts means attorneys can handle more matters without being overwhelmed by repetitive tasks.

Q: Does this model risk favoring only the most profitable cases?

A: That’s a real concern in legal technology. Automation often works best for repeatable, high-volume disputes. Our view is that lowering administrative cost can actually make it easier to take on smaller or more complex cases that might otherwise be turned away. Whether that holds over time depends on the data.

Measuring Impact Over Time

YesLawyer’s attempt to compress the timeline between inquiry and consultation reflects broader changes in how legal services are being delivered. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in administrative work, firms are experimenting with new ways to reduce wait times and clarify costs.

The company’s early growth suggests that many clients value faster access to an initial conversation, even before considering long-term representation. Whether this platform-based model becomes widely adopted or remains one of several emerging approaches will depend on regulatory developments, lawyer participation, and measurable outcomes for clients. For now, YesLawyer’s experiment highlights a central question in modern legal practice: how quickly can help realistically be made available to the people who need it.