Troubleshooting Experimental Issues
Researchers encounter unexpected results or technical difficulties in an experiment and collaborate to identify the cause and find solutions to proceed with the research.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
outlier
An outlier is a value or data point that is very different from the others, often indicating an error or unusual situation. In research, it helps identify problems like contamination.
contamination
Contamination means something unwanted, like dirt or chemicals, getting into a sample or equipment, which can ruin experiment results. It's common in labs to prevent this.
reagents
Reagents are chemicals used in experiments to cause reactions or test samples. Always check them for purity to avoid errors in scientific work.
glassware
Glassware refers to lab tools made of glass, like beakers and flasks, used to hold or mix substances. They need to be cleaned properly to avoid contamination.
blank
In lab tests, a blank is a sample with no analyte (the thing being measured) to check for background interference. It's used to ensure accurate results.
degradation
Degradation means the breakdown or wear of materials over time, like tubing getting damaged. In experiments, it can cause leaks or inaccurate data.
residue
Residue is leftover material, like dried chemicals on equipment after use. Cleaning removes it to prevent it from affecting new experiments.
pinpoint
To pinpoint means to identify exactly where or what the problem is. It's useful in troubleshooting to find the exact cause of an issue.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Have you had a chance to look at the latest data?
This is a polite way to ask if someone has reviewed recent information. Use it in professional settings to check progress without being direct. The structure uses present perfect 'have had' for recent actions.
Those levels are definitely an outlier.
This sentence identifies unusual data. 'Definitely' adds emphasis for certainty. It's useful in discussions to highlight problems. 'Outlier' is a key scientific term here.
Everything followed the SOP rigorously.
SOP means Standard Operating Procedure. This shows strict adherence to rules. Use it to confirm procedures were done correctly. 'Rigourously' means very carefully and thoroughly.
My immediate thought was potential contamination.
This expresses a quick suspicion about a cause. 'Immediate thought' means first idea. It's practical for brainstorming solutions in team discussions.
It's odd that it's only showing up in experiment B.
This points out something strange and specific. 'It's odd that' introduces surprise. Use it to note patterns in data. The clause after 'that' explains why it's odd.
That specificity makes me wonder about something unique.
This suggests thinking deeper due to a detail. 'Makes me wonder' shows curiosity. Useful for scientific reasoning. 'Specificity' means being particular to one thing.
Sounds like a solid plan.
This agrees with a proposed idea positively. 'Sounds like' means it appears to be. Use it to show support in meetings. 'Solid' means reliable and strong.
Let's reconvene this afternoon to discuss the results.
This suggests meeting again later. 'Reconvene' means to meet again after a break. It's formal for professional schedules. Use future time like 'this afternoon' to specify when.