A technique for detecting specific proteins in samples by separating them via gel electrophoresis, transferring to a membrane, and using antibodies to identify target proteins. It provides information about protein size, abundance, and modifications.
Named in 1979 by W. Neal Burnette as a humorous continuation of the geographical naming convention started with Southern blot and Northern blot. 'Western' was chosen simply to complete the compass directions, with 'blot' referring to the transfer process.
Western blot is like a protein's ID card - it can tell you not just if a protein is there, but exactly how big it is and even if it's been modified! It's so reliable that it's used as the gold standard confirmation test for HIV, making it one of the most consequential techniques in medical diagnostics.
Named after Southern blot convention (directional naming). While not named for a specific person, the cascade of eponyms in this naming tradition perpetuated male-coded science and obscured female contributors to protein analysis.
Use functionally or historicize the naming convention. Cite female protein biochemists' foundational contributions.
["protein immunoblot","protein separation assay"]
Female biochemists including Edna Adan Eshkol advanced protein purification and analysis but were eclipsed by male-attributed technique names.
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