Sunday, September 5, 2010

Wow...can you tell it's September? It's been a busy week for many of us here on LabSpaces, what with school starting back up and undergrad/new grad students pouring back onto campus. In the midst of this upheaval from our relatively relaxing summer lab lives, Genomic Repairman recounts his philosophy on mentoring n00bie grad students. GR also reminded new PIs to make sure they fully understand their tenure requirements, while Dr. Becca advised PIs to get a #$@&ing website!

Some of the LabSpace bloggers had more open-ended thoughts to share: GertyZ wondered how ambitious is too ambitious when grant writing (also check out the follow-up post by Comrade PhysioProf). And our dear Overlord (aka Brian Krueger) pondered the viability of social networking for scientists. Might blogging be a way to reel more scientists onto the internet?

As the conference-going season is winding down, JadeEd shares information from the "other side" of scientific conferences, offering up the vendor's viewpoint (as well as some hints on how to flirt ;). And Genomic Repairman recounts the, *ahem*, inebriated tale of his best conference ever, complete with mentions of Xbox, Halo 2, "gorgeous girl", and a guy named Lump.

We still talk about science on LabSpaces, too!! Kelly Oakes discussed some new data regarding the age of our solar system. And Genomic Repairman has issued a warning for those using HEK293 cells lines. Seriously, go check it out if you do cell culture!!

As per usual, the LabSpaces bloggers have also managed to dig up some just plain cool stuff to check out. Geeka reviewed her favorite tech toys, and LabMom found children's clothing with pink dinosaurs!! Catherine Anderson told us about her Canadian Hero, marathon runner Terry Fox. And Biochem Belle showed us the more musical side of NIH Director Francis Collins...seriously good stuff.

Yours truly has not blogged this past week (bad Dr. O) because of some heavy work at the bench (I've got data, bitches!) and setting up the little one's nursery. But I've got some great posts coming this next week...stay tuned for the tale of My New Magical Lab Bench, and have a great Labor Day!! :)