We know the little things matter in science. In fact, we spend much of our time troubleshooting laboratory techniques to find out exactly which little thing is ruining our experiments. It goes without saying that when working with an instrument as sensitive as a mass spectrometer, subtle differences in sample preparation or instrument tuning may dramatically affect the quality of the results. So when things go wrong, we’re not implying you should put every step under a microscope- but here’s what you may find if you do.
Ten Minutes Separates You From $500!
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We’re three weeks into Search for Research but it doesn’t end until May 7th, so if you’re wondering if it’s too late to get involved, wonder no more! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to winning a BenchFly Microgrant in no time (translation: do this to win cash money!).
The Short Straw Works the Graveyard Shift
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The Slate Rock and Gravel Company was way ahead of their time. They realized that although they had a big labor force, their work was limited by the number of Dino-cranes. However, by splitting the workforce into multiple shifts, they would be able to mine the quarry much faster than if they relied solely on a single shift by Fred Flintstone. What if one day our P.I.s came to the same realization…
How to Survive a Boring Seminar (and win some bets at the same time)
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With the American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco next week, large-format printers around the world are working overtime to get all of the posters ready to go. While you’re printing things out, we’ve prepared one more sheet that we think will help deal with one of the biggest problems facing meeting attendees…
Postdoctoral Stipends, Picking a Lab and the Importance of Good Grades
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Thanks for all of the great questions! We’re addressing three questions each month, so If you don’t see your question this time, keep an eye out for our future issues where it will likely show up! Send your questions to DearDora@benchfly.com.
Dora Farkas is the author “The Smart Way to Your Ph.D.:200 Secrets from 100 Graduates,” and the founder of PhDNet, an online community for graduate students and PhDs. You will find links to her book, monthly newsletters, and discussion board on her site.
Their Research is Sexier than Yours
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It seems that over the course of a graduate degree, not only the grad student, but also his or her environment changes opinion about the decision to go to grad school more often than Madonna reinvents herself. It is hard enough struggling with the question of “what am I doing here” while we watch our friends from undergrad buy homes, cars, travel the world and perhaps even have kids. In the mean time, we live in our sweats and continue to eat Kraft dinner.
The Collision of Science, Music and Theater: John Olson and Gioia De Cari
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What happens when you put a scientist, mathematician, classical guitarist, playwright, organist, actress, teacher, vocalist and two MIT graduate degrees together in a blender? You get the remarkably talented Olson/De Cari duo. (Yes, duo as in only two people have accomplished all of that…) Combining their love of science and music, the husband and wife team launched the Science/Music Commissioning Project which seeks to advance public understanding and appreciation of science through original music compositions.
Leaving the Academic Path (and Country) to Find A Job
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Many foreign students and postdocs come to the US to perform their graduate education or postdoctoral research. The move is usually part of a larger career path the individual has mapped out for themselves. But what happens when that plan falls apart and the passion to pursue the original plan fades? Time to make a Plan B. Here’s one story.
What Diseases Will We Tackle Over the Next Decade?
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The 2004 World Health Organization list of the Top 10 Causes of Death worldwide includes many familiar faces. Although the results are grouped as low-, middle- and high-income countries, it’s largely just the order of diseases that change. But what will these lists look like in 10 years?
The 2010 ‘Fly Video Awards
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Last night, Hollywood celebrated it’s biggest evening. It’s the night when achievements are recognized and careers are immortalized. Well, we certainly can’t promise career immortalization (yet!), but we can definitely recognize the achievements of the top videos in five very important categories. Welcome to the 2010 ‘Fly Video Awards! The envelope please…
