My research subject keeps trying to eat the reconstitution water, send help

Posted by amberfiles in Dosing and Protocols

So I am doing some research with a new peptide, and my lab rat, bless its little cotton socks, keeps trying to drink the bacteriostatic water I am using for reconstitution. I mean, I am careful, but this little dude is FAST. I turn my back for literally a second to grab a fresh needle and BAM, he is practically licking the syringe tip. I am starting to think he just likes the taste, which is concerning for science. I have tried working faster, I have tried distracting him with a tiny squeaky toy (he just ignored it), and I have even tried doing it in a separate room, but he seems to have developed some kind of sixth sense for when the good stuff is coming out. It is like he knows. I am not sure if this is a testament to the palatability of bacteriostatic water or just his sheer determination to get into everything. Anyway, just wondering if anyone else has had similar 'enthusiastic' research subjects. Or if I am just cursed with the most curious little creature on the planet. Any tips for keeping tiny, curious, and very fast subjects away from precious research materials would be greatly appreciated. I am running out of ideas that do not involve a tiny straitjacket, and that feels a bit extreme for a peptide study.

5 Comments

protocol88

Honestly, this just sounds like poor lab practice. You should have better control over your research subjects and materials. Keep things secure and out of reach. It is basic safety.

ambernotes

Maybe he thinks it is a treat? Have you tried giving him a small, approved treat right before you start, to distract him? Like a tiny piece of cheese or something. A little positive reinforcement might go a long way.

kineticmind

Whoa there, no need to be so harsh. We all have moments where things do not go perfectly. Sometimes these little guys are just too smart for their own good. OP is clearly trying to find a solution.

nodeclub

Haha, sounds like you got a real character on your hands! My research subjects are usually pretty chill, but I did have one once who was obsessed with the cotton swabs. Just wanted to play with them, never tried to eat anything though. Good luck with your little water fiend!

amberfiles

That is actually a brilliant idea! I have been so focused on prevention I did not even think about distraction via bribery. I will try the treat method next time. Thanks for the tip!