Have you ever nearly given up in an experiment you were doing?

Question: Have you ever nearly given up in an experiment you were doing?

Asked by ilovealex to Michelle, Duncan, Deuan, Darren, Lori-An on 25 Jun 2010 in Categories: Scientist. This question was also asked by ciarahamilton.
- Michelle Hudson-Shore answered on 21 Jun 2010:
  
  When I did my final year project at University I had to use a microscope and fluorescent dye to look at and measure chicken sperm (no I didn’t have to collect it!). I nearlly gave up with that because it was soo boring and I kept going cross-eyed.
- Darren Nesbeth answered on 22 Jun 2010:
  
  Yes. In fact I DID give up. It was a Southern Blot (google it) that I was doing without radioactivity, using a thing called Biotin labelling instead. Radioactivity makes it more sensitive. I abandoned the Biotin method and used the radioactivity method instead.
- Lori-An Etherington answered on 23 Jun 2010:
  
  Each of my experiments last about 2-3hours and I have done experiments in the past which can take all week, with different stages. I haven’t wanted to give up in any of these as it is the whole point of my job to try and get results. I stop if I realise I have made a mistake though, such as adding the wrong chemical or concentration. Sometimes I am tempted to give up if my experiment is running into the evening because I would like to get home, but I dont 🙂
- Deuan Jones answered on 25 Jun 2010:
  
  Yep – like last night I was working late and ended up putting my experiment in a cold room till this morning – which unfortunately means I’m going to have another late night tonight!

Question: Have you ever nearly given up in an experiment you were doing?

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