Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is a synthetic nucleoside that is an analog of thymidine, a building block of DNA. It is commonly used in scientific research to study cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. When cells divide, they can incorporate BrdU into their DNA in place of thymidine, allowing researchers to track and measure cell growth. In laboratory settings, BrdU is often detected using specific antibodies in techniques like immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry. This helps scientists understand various biological processes, including cancer development and tissue regeneration, by providing insights into how quickly cells are dividing and responding to treatments.