Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
About This Simulation
Collaborate with an anti-doping agent at a bicycle race. Test athletes’ urine for a doping substance using mass spectrometry. Can you find out which athlete has been cheating?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the basic principles of mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF)
- Prepare samples for MALDI
- Interpret mass spectrometry histograms
.png "Preview of PS3_(3).png simulation.")
.png "Preview of PS3_(4).png simulation.")
.png "Preview of PS3_(5).png simulation.")
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Mass spectrometry
Related Standards
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
Learn More About This Simulation
This shorter, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Protein Synthesis” simulation.
Investigate doping in bicycle athletes using MALDI. In this simulation, you will collaborate with the doping agent who collects urine samples in a large bicycle race. You will learn how to test urine samples using the mass spectrometry technique MALDI. After preparing and submitting your samples, you will interpret the mass spectrometry histograms. Can you determine if an athlete has been cheating?
Introduction to the doping substance
Start your mission with a 3D animation explaining the purpose of kidneys and the effects of chronic kidney disease on the body. Learn how erythropoietin (EPO) affects the production of red blood cells. Meet the anti-doping agent to find out how athletes have been using recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) to increase their production of red blood cells and enhance their performance.
Investigate doping in bike athletes
You will use mass spectrometry and investigate if there are any athletes who are using rhEPO as a doping substance. First you will prepare the athletes urine samples by adding the matrix solution. Carefully place the prepared samples on the MALDI plate before taking the sample plate into the mass spectrometer. Learn about mass spectrometry and the technique MALDI (Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) with the help of quiz questions and a short video.
Interpret the mass spectrometry histograms
At the end of the lab, you will look at the mass spectrometry histograms. Compare the peaks in the positive rhEPO sample to each of the athletes’ samples. Will you be able to determine if any of the athletes are using the doping substance?
Boost STEM Pass Rates
Boost Learning with Fun
75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster
Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus
Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content
Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists
Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios
Related Course
+20 other courses
Carbohydrates: The sugars that feed us
The Carbohydrates Lab explores how carbohydrates are broken down by the digestive system and taken up into the bloodstream.
Fluorescence Microscopy
Enter the virtual microscope room to see inside a tissue sample. Learn how a fluorescence microscope can create a high contrast image and answer biological questions.
Uracil based excision cloning (USER): Cloning made simple
Join Marie in the molecular biology lab to apply your knowledge of the sophisticated cloning method, USER, in order to generate a beta-carotene cell factory.
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.