Life Science Tools of the Trade

Okay, you’d think everyone would know about google by now. I can only assume quite a few people don’t. What other explanation could there be for some of the most basic questions posted on SAB?  I don’t mind offering my opinion or hopefully some expertise to help someone troubleshoot a problem. But no, I’m not going to explain basic molecular biology to someone too lazy to look it up. When I firsted started learning molecular biology almost 20 years ago I was amazed at how easy it was to find protocols or answers to any questions.  Current Protocols and Molecular Cloning are great resources and if you can post on SAB you have access to the internet which makes it even easier (NCBI, PubMed, google, etc.). 

I wish some of the SAB repeat offenders would take the time to try and find the answer before posting  questions like “What is the protocol for TCA?” or “What does DNA stand for?” 

Oh yeah, Merry Christmas!

Experiments are finishing up and things just keep slowing down in the lab.  Christmas is only a couple of days away.  How is that possible?  All those experiments and results you were hoping for before the new year.  Time is running out - make that time has run out.

Forget the experiments and enjoy the holiday.  Spend time with family and friends and worry about the science next week!

Happy Holidays!!

I didn’t attend the non-alcoholic University Holiday Celebration aka Kristmas Karaoke. I made it to the wine and finger food Departmental Party-zippity-do-dah, wasn’t that fun! Tomorrow is the traditional lab outing.  Hey Taco Bell and Olive Garden, just so you know, you didn’t invent food poisoning.  After last years dining experience, we won’t be going back to the Shitar Palace this year. We’re heading out to Tyler’s, a bar located in a renovated tobacco warehouse in downtown Durham. Food and drinks, followed by the traditional bar “sports”. Who is brave enough (and good enough) to thrash the boss in a game of foosball? Don’t scratch and loose a game of eight-ball if he’s your partner!

What’s your lab doing to celebrate?

A free calculator! Thanks Stratagene! Well, I guess it wasn’t really free since we ordered almost $2000 of TAQ polymerase today at the mini-vendor show.   I won’t have to annoy H_________   anymore by asking “Can I borrow your calculator……again?” She’s probably happier than I am about my new free calculator.

By now everyone should know our lab uses Operon (www.operon.com) for all of our oligos.  When I say oligos, I mean TONS of oligos.  We generally receive at least one order a day from Operon.

That said, when I was ordering my oligos today I noticed the money in our account was getting low.  I submitted the required paperwork to add funds to the account and before the day was out - our account had been credited.  Now, that didn’t really impress me.  What impressed me was the email I received soon after.  Jeremy, our Operon rep, sent me a thank you note for the order.  It was just a quick note saying thanks and if he can help with anything to give him a call.

Little gestures like that go a long way in our lab.  We have the most respect for sales reps that know what we order from them and say thanks for the order.  It’s a small simple  gesture that goes a long way!

Yup, it’s December and you know what that means.  The holiday season has officially begun.  Read that as the parties, the food and drinking have begun. 

Saturday night was the departmental party.  They rent a hall in Duke gardens and have catered munchies, beer, and wine.  A D.J. was playing music - although no one was taking advantage and dancing.  

Everyone seemed to have a good time and I haven’t heard any embarassing stories…  not yet at least.