LAB VLOG: another round of bio assays, preparing NMR samples, new post-doc and more! | My PhD and Me

TL;DR

A scientist documents her lab routines and experiments daily, facing challenges and celebrating successes.

Transcript

[Laughter] morning guys it's wednesday i have not vlogged all week because it's been very busy i've been preparing for the bioassay which i'm going to plate up today i need to go and check my cultures to make sure they've grown i have not grown cultures for a few weeks now because i've been on holiday and then when i came back i was just isolating ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥼 Meticulous planning and organization are crucial in conducting lab experiments effectively.
• 😀 Facing unknown compounds on the HPLC can pose significant challenges in method development.
• 🥼 The return of an experienced postdoc enhances lab productivity and provides valuable support.
• 💄 Methodical data analysis is essential in interpreting results and making scientific conclusions.
• 💦 Balancing lab work with personal achievements like conference opportunities is vital for motivation.
• 🛟 Lab life involves both rewarding successes like successfully completing experiments and overcoming setbacks like method development challenges.
• 👨‍🔬 Collaborative lab environments foster teamwork and knowledge-sharing, enhancing research outcomes.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does the scientist do to prepare for her bioassay?

The scientist dilutes cultures, adds samples to wells, includes control samples, and organizes her plate layout meticulously.

Q: What challenges does the scientist face with method development on the HPLC?

The scientist struggles with separating compounds effectively and dealing with an excessive number of peaks in her chromatograms due to unknown compounds.

Q: Why is the return of the postdoc significant for the lab?

The postdoc's return provides much-needed support for the lab members in running instruments, managing the lab, and obtaining guidance on method development.

Q: How does the scientist handle setbacks and challenges in the lab?

The scientist perseveres through stressful days, works diligently to correct method development issues, and stays positive to overcome challenges in her experiments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The scientist prepares for a bioassay, checks her bacterial cultures, and meticulously plans her experiments.

• She plates up numerous samples for the bioassay, sterilizes equipment, and organizes her samples methodically.

• The scientist struggles with method development on the HPLC, faces challenges with unknown compounds, and prepares for a conference in California.