I'm not really the delusional type.
I've never really felt the need to make the world prettier than it actually is. So, despite hanging out in the lab with Clay 3 times a week, I've never considered myself a scientist because I'm not. I might be able to lay claim to being an artist because my bachelor degree is in studio art. And certainly I could claim that I am a super-mom. But the closest I come to ever saying I'm a scientist is by saying that I married one.
So imagine my surprise when I found myself reading a scientific paper the other day in order to try and wrap my head around some ideas I've been having about an experiment. Let me back up a moment and show you this.
I've never really felt the need to make the world prettier than it actually is. So, despite hanging out in the lab with Clay 3 times a week, I've never considered myself a scientist because I'm not. I might be able to lay claim to being an artist because my bachelor degree is in studio art. And certainly I could claim that I am a super-mom. But the closest I come to ever saying I'm a scientist is by saying that I married one.
So imagine my surprise when I found myself reading a scientific paper the other day in order to try and wrap my head around some ideas I've been having about an experiment. Let me back up a moment and show you this.
This here is a Daphnia. These are the little critters that Clay works with and I by association also work with. Three 3 times a week I feed them, transfer them, and jot down any significant insights I have. This one happens to be sick. We've been infecting them with some parasites. Nice of us, huh?
Anyway, she's all well and good, but not quite enough to inspire me to take on a scientific experiment. This here is what has got me all in a tizzy.
Anyway, she's all well and good, but not quite enough to inspire me to take on a scientific experiment. This here is what has got me all in a tizzy.
This here is a beautiful little lady Daphnia that is carrying resting eggs. Isn't she lovely? Imagine my surprise as I was going through my daily routine and found her, a black sack of eggs stuck smack dab where a clutch of pretty pink eggs should normally be. I can't quite explain it, but I am fascinated by the idea of resting eggs. I am amazed that a creature so small would have the ability to have both a live birth if conditions were right or create resting eggs that can survive safely in their pouch until there is a better time to hatch.
It was quite a moment for me. I finally understand why Clay walked the long road of grad school to satisfy his curiosity about the world. My mind has been working on some ideas for my own experiments involving these fascinating little creatures. I guess now I'm not just a minion. I am officially becoming involved.
Lord help us.
It was quite a moment for me. I finally understand why Clay walked the long road of grad school to satisfy his curiosity about the world. My mind has been working on some ideas for my own experiments involving these fascinating little creatures. I guess now I'm not just a minion. I am officially becoming involved.
Lord help us.
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