When you think about starting a new experiment, you probably think: Exciting, daunting,hopeful, time-consuming, challenging…
You may also think:
I need to have all my supplies together.
I hope my experiment is well-designed with necessary controls.
I hope I can execute this with no hiccups.
I hope I get good data.
How about the process before starting the experiment? All those mental decisions BEFORE even placing an order? I know, groan.
. . .
You might be able to relate to this process…
Before even beginning a new cell culture experiment, I will need…
Task: FBS is so expensive. I want a cheaper alternative.
Process:
Task: I need a highly pure DMSO as a vehicle, which is a common organic solvent, but I
also need it to be cell culture friendly.
Process:
Task: I need a specific ELISA kit that I do not have personal experience with.
Process:
Task: We ran out of the special tubes. My supervisor just asked me to see if there are
cheaper alternatives because we’ve just been blowing through them.
Process:
. . .
Well folks, I am exhausted. I just spent half the day deciding on what to get for this new experiment. All these browser tabs are making my head spin. I wish there was an easier way to decide on products or alternatives so I can actually be excited about beginning my experiment!