My research subject keeps trying to eat the pipette tips

Posted by clinicalwolf in Side Effects and Safety

Alright, so I am doing some very preliminary research with a new peptide. My lab is small, just me and my very enthusiastic research subject, a lab rat named Sir Reginald. Sir Reginald, bless his little cotton socks, has developed a rather peculiar habit. Every time I go to administer the compound, he tries to grab the pipette tip and eat it. Not the liquid, mind you, but the actual plastic tip. I have tried different flavors of the compound, different times of day, even different types of pipette tips. Nothing works. I am starting to think he just likes the crunch. Or maybe he thinks it is a tiny, clear worm. Either way, it is making my research quite challenging. Any fellow researchers out there have experience with overly enthusiastic or just plain weird lab subjects? I am not looking for medical advice for Sir Reginald, obviously, just some shared commiseration or perhaps a clever trick to keep his little paws away from my delicate lab equipment. This is strictly for research and educational purposes, of course. These compounds are not for human consumption.

9 Comments

molarstack35

I mean, if it is not affecting your data, maybe just let him have a little nibble after? Kidding, mostly. Research integrity is key.

clinicalwolf

That is an interesting idea. I have been so focused on securing the pipette I had not thought about a distraction. I will try that tomorrow. Thanks!

coldmind64

Sounds like Sir Reginald is just living his best life. Maybe he is trying to tell you something about the palatability of your solvent?

vialfiles

Just ensure he is not actually ingesting plastic. That could skew your research data significantly. Safety first for the subject.

kineticmind

Maybe it is a texture thing. Some animals are very particular about mouthfeel. Just a thought for your research log.

cyclefox

My research subjects used to try and escape the enclosure by climbing the walls. Yours sounds more entertaining.

ligandden

Is the pipette tip a different color than the compound? Maybe he associates the color with a treat?

echo88

Have you tried a distraction? Like a tiny squeaky toy right before administration? Might divert his attention.

titration_pdx44

My research subject once hoarded all the bedding in one corner and refused to come out for three days. They have their quirks.