Please note that while multiple autorads are in the photos, this listing is for ONE such item. It will also be TRIMMED to 8"x11" to allow shipping by lettermail. The original size of them is 35cm x 43cm (approx 13.5" x 17"). If you want an complete unaltered one send me a message and I can make a custom listing, however it will require more expensive shipping.
Listing is for a real DNA "autorad" from the 1980s to 1990s developed on Xray film - original document, not copy. The 8 x 11" size refers to the minimum dimensions, and the actual document may be slightly larger (each one is a little different). Please note that the images provided are representative and not an exact depiction - the one you receive may have a different banding pattern, but the overall look of the item will be similar. The medium is translucent and its color/shade depends on how long it was exposed, the background it is placed against, or even the angle at which it is looked at. As these were the product of a long and labour intensive scientific experiment they are not "perfect", and may have some scratches, silver oxide sprinkles, a blob, overexposed areas or other defects. It is a well known fact in scientific research that a perfect gel and graph does not exist, it is more aspirational 😌. I will however, try to pick out only the nicer looking ones!! Also, any sharpie writing and marks will be erased.
The Sanger sequencing method that the image reflects was and is used to diagnose genetic diseases, with each band representing a base of DNA: A, C, T or G. By reading from bottom to top one would reveal the genetic code which would then be compared to a reference. Errors, ie. letters that did not match could be indicative of disease or a disorder. The reading and interpretation of the graph was often done by two people, with one reading the DNA bases from the graph with a ruler, and the other writing it down, although some labs would have a fancy pen and tablet apparatus that would transfer the data onto a computer.
That summarizes medical aspects of the image, but even for those not involved with medicine, engineering or research the images are quite pretty and hypnotic in pattern, and the films can be used for arts and crafts
Backdrop items not included, chromatogram only. Item will be sent by regular letter mail (no tracking) to keep shipping costs low.