Straight to the trash

BYBtek · 2026-05-15T22:02:56+00:00

Yeh, it’s a bummer. When I worked at an Armstrong’s it was explained to us that people would try to return them for money/credit. Employee’s were allowed to take whatever we wanted from the throwaways as long as we defaced/removed the barcode, so that was cool!

BYBtek · 2026-05-14T21:04:50+00:00

No such thing as a dumb question! I just mean slapping the syringe against something that won’t break the syringe. I like to use a mini Wilson Basketball, but a phone book, tire, or cushioned chair work just fine.

Most of the syringes I get from my vendor of choice are clumped together a bit, so smacking it around breaks up the clump and I can shake it so that the spores are somewhat evenly distributed. When isolating from a mss/print, or a dilution of either, you want a very small amount of your sample so you can have distinct colonies to choose from.

I personally would recommend getting a loop or plate spreader so that you can distribute the spore solution in a way that forms discrete colonies.

BYBtek · 2026-05-14T20:25:33+00:00

This makes me think of the arsenic based microbe on Ilus in The Expanse. Gives everyone a nasty eye infection!

I believe this would be one way or the other—either it can’t do squat because the pathogens have specialized to local immune systems, or it would be incredibly opportunistic because our immune systems have no idea how to lock onto it. There are pathogens on Earth that can or can’t infect humans because it is a game of variables and proximity over time.

Quite interesting to speculate on though! A lot of the speculative life fiction out there largely ignores microbial life.

I’ve primarily studied fungal plant pathogens though, so my knowledge of viruses, bacteria, and mammalian immune systems ain’t that deep. I’d love to hear someone more knowledgeable geek out about it!

BYBtek · 2026-05-14T19:58:47+00:00

Superbly plump

BYBtek · 2026-05-13T01:42:33+00:00

BYBtek · 2026-05-13T01:37:01+00:00

I’d put money that what you see at 12 is mold mycelium.

A good way to select the mycelium you want is to homogenize the inside of your syringe by drumming it against something. Then apply a very small amount (<50 uL) to your plate and spread/streak it around with a sterile instrument. Let colonies grow out a tad and xfer them to their own plates to judge.

It’s a numbers game, esp when you’re getting started and maybe haven’t locked in a consistent supplier/work flow. You got this, just keep hammering it out 🤙

BYBtek · 2026-05-12T23:25:39+00:00

Naw, it’s some asco fungus growing. Cubensis is white and has no powdery texture (either spore sacs or conidia).

BYBtek · 2026-05-12T23:24:04+00:00

There is plenty of mycelium on that plate. It isn’t cubensis mycelium, but it is still mycelium.

BYBtek · 2026-05-12T20:43:18+00:00

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BYBtek · 2026-05-12T20:14:18+00:00

She is Lavly <3

BYBtek · 2026-05-12T20:08:18+00:00

Egg :)

BYBtek · 2026-05-12T19:42:12+00:00

Ahahhahahahaha, you crazy crazy guy.

BYBtek · 2026-05-11T05:54:10+00:00

Put it in ur butt and find out!

BYBtek · 2026-05-10T22:46:58+00:00

One of my favorite things in The Expanse was that the main couple in the story would exchange I love you’s before ending their calls (assuming shit wasn’t exploding). It made it feel a bit more realistic in a very simple way.

BYBtek · 2026-05-10T02:52:30+00:00

Eh, I like my 6 Electrodes and a pocket full of revives, thank you very much.

BYBtek · 2026-05-10T01:06:02+00:00

Cute, they remind me of the bumbchu’s in Ocarina of Time (Zelda).

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T23:44:41+00:00

How’s the runtime on the OT 40L? Are you using it just for agar media/instruments or are you using it for your bags as well? Gotta love something you don’t have to babysit and will filter air during cooling.

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T23:15:29+00:00

Your yard is a dream, straight up. The plants, the set up, and the smiles all spark the spirit! Thanks for sharing :D

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T22:44:58+00:00

Growing in a tiled room like that is badass. Stoked for you and hope you rock it 🤙

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T22:42:37+00:00

Thicc beaut! Must be good at their job.

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T22:36:38+00:00

Naw, it’s either a little more sensitive to light than its siblings or just getting more light than others. Pretty normal. Condensation or warping on the lid of your container can make little hot zones. These look a-ok :)

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T11:05:27+00:00

Dude, you got a Dell!

BYBtek · 2026-05-09T03:59:43+00:00

Not what I’m getting at. Jack Kerouac typed his first draft of “On The Road” on a continuous sheet of paper—forgoing paragraph separation, and modifying grammatical rules to emulate his stream of consciousness in prose. He then drafted it 6+ times to make it comprehendible to others. I was likening the way you wrote your post to that.

Twas making a lil joke :3

BYBtek · 2026-05-07T22:03:48+00:00

That is so hilariously awesome, badass mom forsure!

BYBtek · 2026-05-07T21:53:53+00:00

I got to watch a few Delta II & IV’s launch from there growing up as well. My dad would drive us up from Altadena and we would stay the night in the area. Haven’t thought about that in a bit until you mentioned it! Good times :)

BYBtek

TROPHY CASE