The Unseen Side of Science: Shocking Experiences Revealed
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Chapter 1: Shocking Experiences in Scientific Research
Scientific inquiry can be both astonishing and unsettling. Researchers often find themselves in bizarre situations. A notable example is a Russian scientist who chose to inject himself with bacteria that had been preserved for 3.5 million years.
What’s truly astonishing is that this ancient bacterium, known as Bacillus F, was still viable. The scientist believed it held the key to longevity and proceeded without hesitation to self-inject. As of 2019, he claims to be in good health and free from illness. One can only hope he continues this trend!
In contrast to such daring acts, I wouldn't dare to inject myself with any bacteria unless its safety and benefits were unequivocally established. However, my role as a scientist has led me to conduct experiments in laboratories that might be perceived as unusual, unsettling, or even sad. Here are some of my experiences.
Section 1.1: Handling Human Waste
Yes, you read that correctly—this aspect of research can be particularly unpleasant. Nevertheless, scientists, much like medical professionals, maintain their professionalism. That said, I can't claim to have been entirely comfortable handling human feces, even with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The samples arrived packed in dry ice, housed in Styrofoam containers. We received around 500 samples, some of which were substantial quantities of semi-solid and liquid waste that needed warming to room temperature (imagine the smell!) before analysis could commence.
Analyzing these samples required a close examination, as I needed to weigh specific amounts before conducting the necessary chemical tests. There were days I found it challenging to face this task, wishing to abandon the study altogether due to the overwhelming nature of the work.
This analysis aimed to quantify fatty acids in the fecal matter, offering insights into dietary habits, nutrient absorption, and even gut bacteria activity.
Facts:
Feces play a crucial role in human biology, primarily composed of water—up to 75%. Additionally, they contain bacterial biomass, which can account for up to 50% of their dry weight. The remaining components include undigested carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, fats, and dead epithelial cells. Notably, the odor of feces varies from person to person, largely influenced by dietary choices.
Section 1.2: Drug Testing on Mice
Laboratory rodents are a staple in research settings, having been utilized since the 1850s. Significant medical advancements, including cancer therapies and vaccines, owe much to the contributions of lab mice.
In my research, I injected mice with a specific drug aimed at treating tumors in the head and neck. Since human trials weren't an option, we utilized genetically modified mice that were designed to develop tumors. The goal was to assess the drug's safety and effectiveness.
Regrettably, to evaluate the drug's impact, the mice had to be euthanized for tissue analysis. While I did not personally carry out the euthanasia, my role was indirectly linked to this process.
Facts:
In the U.S., over 100 million rats and mice are sacrificed annually for research purposes. These animals are involved in various studies, including toxicology, psychological testing, and surgical experiments. PETA actively opposes the use of these animals in scientific research. Although protocols exist to ensure humane treatment, the ethical debate remains contentious.
Chapter 2: Working with Hazardous Materials
My experience also includes handling hazardous materials such as hydrogen gas and t-butyllithium. The latter was linked to a tragic incident involving a young researcher at UCLA, as it is extremely flammable and ignites upon contact with air.
Hydrogen gas is notorious for causing explosions due to its flammable nature. Fortunately, I have navigated these potentially dangerous situations without incident, though I remain vigilant and cautious in the lab.
Facts:
The seven most common lab accidents stem from fires, heat and chemical burns, cuts and scrapes, contamination, inhalation, spills, and equipment failures. Thankfully, such incidents are rare, which helps maintain interest in scientific careers.
In conclusion, despite the occasional grotesque and perilous aspects of scientific work, I have no regrets about pursuing a career in science. The most challenging elements were the long hours and comparatively lower compensation relative to other advanced-degree professions, but that’s a discussion for another time.
The first video titled "Something in This Show is Shocking! - This Week in Science Podcast (TWIS)" delves into the unexpected and astonishing events in scientific research, showcasing the often overlooked aspects of the scientific community.
The second video, "Neuroscientist Reveals The Shocking Science & Benefits of Taking a Simple Walk | Mel Robbins Podcast," highlights the surprising advantages of something as simple as walking, offering insights from a neuroscientific perspective.