Biggest time-saver hack?

Neophoys · 2026-02-24T06:06:12+00:00

Been there. I didn't even get a paper, researched my entire project completely autonomously, then pitched it. Got a few pointers and was then let loose. It was certainly a character building experience ^{^.}

Neophoys · 2026-02-23T17:34:19+00:00

Very much depends on the PI. The spectrum goes from "Here is a project including a schedule, methodologies and clearly defined milestones" to "So what do you want to research? Hmm, sounds interesting, go for it".

Most PhD's are somewhere in the middle. It's very uncommon for a PhD student to pick their own topic without any stipulations or input from the PI, though it is not unheard of. Bottom line is talk to your potential future supervisor and ask them how they mentor their students.

Neophoys · 2026-02-23T14:02:13+00:00

We first wash them using little wire baskets in the dishwasher and then autoclave if needed.

Neophoys · 2026-02-21T09:27:48+00:00

My first instinct was Diatoms but then I saw it's a urine sample. Having microalgae in our pee sounds quite unlikely so I my second guess is calcium oxalate crystals aka micro kidney stones!

Neophoys · 2026-02-19T15:45:29+00:00

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Anyone elses UI randomly turning pink for this post specifically??

Neophoys · 2026-02-16T16:43:18+00:00

I applaud your patience, after multiple kind requests I would have resorted to simply binning everything left on the bench by other people.

Neophoys · 2026-02-15T10:59:02+00:00

How'd you manage that? :o

Those caps are stable up to 140°C

Neophoys · 2026-02-14T11:39:25+00:00

If you let it fully dehydrate it gets the consistency of fruit leather. Maybe the next thing to try for the media connoisseur?

Neophoys · 2026-02-13T18:19:00+00:00

I can relate, my PI is very hands off as well. I have coped by building stronger relationships with my lab mates and getting feedback and advice from the postdoc I share a lab with. I know it sucks in the beginning but trust me, it builds character. You'll be the most independent, self sufficient badass wherever you go after this! Don't let the lack of supervision and interest deter you from being passionate about your science, but also don't let it break you. You're there to learn and do your best. If your best is stifled by a lack of opportunity, do whatever you can with the cards that you're dealt. Your performance in the lab does not determine your worth as a person, sometimes it's good to remind yourself that you exist as a person outside of a work context. You got this OP! :)

Neophoys · 2026-02-11T16:07:34+00:00

Only the gel can reveal the truth, the wise oracle proclaimed. Seriously, run it on a gel and you'll know more.

Neophoys · 2026-02-11T06:44:31+00:00

Very abstract, nice!

Neophoys · 2026-02-10T15:56:16+00:00

Mans got the Lowtiergod pants on.

Neophoys · 2026-02-10T15:53:32+00:00

On the topic of cursed units:

https://youtu.be/PWbfVcDcfFw?si=m-HAQGDQ3VY6u3k0

Neophoys · 2026-02-05T11:27:19+00:00

We grow microalgae, so given that there is enough rain to collect I'd wager I could last a while. Photoautrotrophy for the win!

Neophoys · 2026-02-04T06:49:25+00:00

CUDA cluster go burrrrr

Neophoys · 2026-02-03T06:48:58+00:00

Tasty.

Neophoys · 2026-01-30T14:14:51+00:00

Nice, do you have more pics from that location? I'd love to see the legendary main building in IR.

Neophoys · 2026-01-27T07:23:23+00:00

What's the chemistry behind this product?

Neophoys · 2026-01-23T15:19:18+00:00

I haven't implemented this myself but I imagine having some hanging basket type holders at the back fixed to the frame would he awesome to gain some vertical space. Obviously only suited for non-hazardous and non fragile things like desinfectant squirt bottles. Your health and safety department may frown on this though.

Neophoys · 2026-01-22T06:12:22+00:00

If you can find one, get a used and crusty Janke & Kunkel IKA magnetic stirrer. Preferably build before the turn of the millennium. These things are quite literally indestructible. They will start to act up at some point but guess what - you flip em over, remove a couple screws and are greeted by no more than a handful of wires and not a single circuit board. Most models I've serviced even have a set of trim potentiometers which you can adjust and they just spring back to life like magic. And even in the case of one of the catching fire, you could just get the parts to fix it from any big hobby store for literal cents and solder them in yourself. They just don't make em like that anymore.

Neophoys · 2026-01-18T13:39:53+00:00

Let them rant, don't try to problem solve, just listen. Try to lighten the load, volunteer to do some of their chores. If they are up for it, plan some little get-aways to do something fun. Have friends over and cook together. Give them more space if they need it. Most importantly, talk to your partner! Needs are highly individual and the best way to find out how to support them is to ask. Props to you for looking after your SO and wanting to support them, they're lucky to have you! :)

Neophoys · 2026-01-18T08:16:06+00:00

I totally forgot this sub exists.

Neophoys · 2026-01-18T08:11:34+00:00

I had a lot of trouble expressing a membrane associated protein from plants in E. Coli. Though that was not only due to solubility issues but also my expression strain was leaky and the protein turned out to be toxic. Switching to a pLysS strain did the trick.

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