Anyone who’s ever been on a plane knows that our bodies are constantly battling to keep us safe. Whether it’s a pressurized cabin at 37,000 ft, or a brand-new hospital at sea level, infectious agents pose a serious threat to our health. Over the past several months, talk of the H1N1 pandemic has dominated the news, but is that truly our biggest threat?
BenchLife
Being a scientist isn’t just about doing experiments, so neither are we. This is where we make breakthroughs beyond the bench for scientists.
What Threatens Us Most?
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What Influences Your Research?
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As researchers, we work at the forefront of knowledge, exploring processes and phenomena currently beyond our understanding. Therefore, it seems our research projects could pursue almost limitless avenues. So what drives us to move in one direction over another?
Stay Motivated in Lab
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Science can be like Baywatch. Well, there are decidedly fewer bikinis and speedos, but there are similarities. Specifically, there are times when all of us feel like we’re drowning. Learning how to stay motivated in lab through the natural ebb and flow of good results is an essential skill for becoming a successful scientist.
What is Your Lab Nightmare?
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This week we will move into October, the scariest month of the year. Our minds will wander from Halloween to the impending winter to… lab?
Slow Cooker Magic: Italian Beef
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Whoever invented the slow cooker (aka, crock pot) must have been a scientist… “How can I set up my meal in five minutes so that when I get home tonight, around 12 hours from now, an incredible meal will await?” Well we should all take a moment to honor that genius, because without their invention, deliciousness like this wouldn’t be possible…
Choose Your Lab Superpower
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Own a Pet in Grad School? Consider this first…
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Pets can prove to be a good choice in graduate school. In fact, studies have shown that pets (mostly dogs) can help to battle loneliness1, reduce stress2, and improve mood3, three areas that any grad student could use a little help in. However, if you don’t do your research first, you may feel the opposite of these effects. That’s why we are providing a guide to deciding whether a pet is right for you at this stage in your life.
The Importance of Goals in Science
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Although fall is not traditionally thought of as a time of new beginning, it does represent the start of both the new academic and fiscal years. Viewed in that light, it seems we’re missing an opportunity to take a step back and start a new tradition based upon what we always do at the turn of a new year: no, not make a fool of ourselves at the office party OR drink too much OR lay around and watch football… It’s time to make some New Lab Resolutions.
Organize Your Life: Getting Things Done
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The alarm goes off and the space between your ears, which only moments ago had you laying on a beach made of candy, is suddenly filled with the following inner dialogue: “I’ve got to start that reaction tomorrow, so I can’t forget to run by the stockroom today – maybe I can go after lunch – oh, but I have to meet Jason to talk about our collaboration – oh crap, I need to work up that data – but I’m meeting with the boss first thing in the morning – it snowed last night – better get out of here earlier than usual – no time to eat – am I out of clean undershirts? I need to do laundry this weekend – I’m out of detergent – when does Costco open? – did my membership expire or was that my car insurance? I’ve got to get an oil change – how much will that cost? Karen owes me $40 for dinner – I can’t stand that guy she’s dating…”
Ah, stress. It can be absolutely crippling.
What Fuels You?
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For many of us, this week may be the first full week back in the swing of things. Summer vacations have come and gone, the short Labor Day week is behind us and now it’s back to the grind. New classes to take, new lectures to give, new reasons to once again start losing sleep…
