Back at work

[bronwynrh]

Thanks for all your well-wishes. I still feel under the weather, but I'm certainly functional, if not a little woozy.

So here I am back at work, looking at this protocol for some surface chemistry. Just to be clear, I haven't done any hard chemistry, ever. The last time I even approached it was as an undergrad.

Now this protocol calls for the use of some nasty stuff. That's fine, I know how to work in the hood, wear a coat, goggles, proper gloves, yadda yadda yadda. But when I see that the first step uses piranha solution, I say 'hmm'. Cute name, sounds dangerous.

Damn.

I've already spoken with a lady in chem safety, and she's going to look things up and get back to me with advice and cautions and waste storage and all that good stuff. But seeing as how the University of Maryland requires special qualifications and training for the use of this stuff, I'm a wee tad nervous. I have yet to see whether the UIowa has similar requirements. Perhaps we're a little more blase here in the midwest. I'll find out.

1. piranha solution: reactive, explosive
2. aminopropyltrimethoxysilane: corrosive, flammable
3. glutaraldehyde: reactive
4. bovine submaxillary mucin: an element of cow spit, generally innocuous

Next week is gonna be FUN

Comments

[fyreflyblue.livejournal.com]

Hehhehehee.... cow spit.

Hi, I'm six years old.

[ex-friedrich47.livejournal.com]

bovine submaxillary mucin - I believe that is one of the magical ingredients that Hitler's doctor put in his food. Or perhaps that was Bulgarian peasant spit? In any case, it ought to be good for your health.

good God!

[wistfulunicorn.livejournal.com]

It all sounds like nasty stuff. I know you'll be careful but damn...

Glad you're feeling better. luv.