qPCR Take the Cryptogram Challenge

Clues Released during the qPCR Challenge

Clue 1: The image is a stylized readout of a quantitative PCR experiment. The bases, A, T, G, and C, are artistically displayed within the readout as if in solution.

Clue 2: The horizontal black 'threshold' line is irrelevant.

Clue 3: Cycle Numbers encode linear vertical lanes and Relative Fluorescent Units encode log plotted horizontal lanes. Their product is important.

Clue 4: The curved triplicate readout plots are irrelevant.

Clue 5: Biological specificity is important.

Clue 6: A clue to the solution can be found on this web page: http://www.genengnews.com/keyword/pcr/254

Clue 7: The answer has three words.

Clue 8: Draw lines between any two bases that are co-linear, accept only AT or GC combinations.

Clue 9: midpoint of the AT and GC lines identify cells that code for letters. There are 21 letters in total. Repeat letters have multiple line midpoints over them.

Clue 10: The clue on the web page in clue six is the inventor of PCR, Kary Mullis.

Clue 11: In the encoded alphabet, the letters in his last name add up to 50.

Questions? Contact Us.

Decode the cipher hidden in the image below

Click here to download the Powerpoint slide.

GEN and Scintellix, LLC have formed a partnership to explore the hidden meaning found in biological imagery. The Cryptogram Challenge: qPCR is the eight installation of this partnership.