Week #9, Stop, Drop, and Roll with the Punches...

Honestly, I don't even remember this past week. It actually feels like I just posted a blog yesterday. Everything is a bit of a blur at this juncture. My apologies in advance...

Without further ado, I do have the honor and privilege to announce that we have RHIZOBIUM in the house! The nodule I crushed and inoculated in a YMA plate yielded the following cell morphology: mucoid, smooth edges, round, and convex...

Although I still have to perform other microscopic tests, it looks like we have a winner; nevertheless due to my travels in the laboratory worm hole, (I wouldn't recommend it), I was unable to attend to my plate in a timely manner and the RHIZOBIUM grew at an alarming rate; so fast that it almost sealed off the door to Matt's office. I can see the headlines now: FAMOUS NOBEL PRIZE BOTANIST NOMINEE MEETS HIS FATE WITH RHIZOBIUM. Taken out by a negative bacillus. What a way to go...


So, today I am pouring new plates because my previous batch mysteriously disappeared. I wonder if any of my fellow S-Stem scholars knows anything about this? Certainly a fellow colleague wouldn't use someone's plates without permission. I am pouring two sets of plates just in case someone else needs them as well. My pleasure!

I also would like to announce that I managed to grow the STATE TREE! What is the state tree? Anyone? Matt still thinks I am going to sacrifice it in the name of science but I told him it was protected by Sheriff Joe, so it's safe thus far. Also, my other plants will be sacrificed soon because they are taking over the "grow box".

Anyway, check out my pictures, and just remember: stop, drop, and roll with the punches... Only 5 to go! 

¡ Carpe Diem !

 ~JDM~