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What do you do if your laboratory experiments fail?

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Laboratory experiments are essential for advancing scientific knowledge and testing hypotheses, but they can also be frustrating and challenging when they fail. Failure can mean different things in different contexts, such as invalid results, unexpected outcomes, technical errors, or irreproducible findings. How you deal with failure can affect your productivity, motivation, and confidence as a researcher. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on what to do if your laboratory experiments fail.

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Sumit Singh

Sr. Associate at UnitedLex specializing in Patent Invalidity | Landscape Analysis | SEP Mining | IP Monetization
Annish J

Expertise: FMCG | Healthcare & Life Sciences | Primary & Secondary Research | Technology Scouting | Intellectual…

1 Analyze the failure

The first step is to analyze the failure and identify its possible causes. You can use various tools and methods to do this, such as error logs, troubleshooting guides, checklists, root cause analysis, or fishbone diagrams. You should also review your experimental design, protocols, data, and assumptions to see if there are any gaps, flaws, or biases that could have contributed to the failure. By analyzing the failure, you can learn from your mistakes, avoid repeating them, and improve your experimental quality.

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Sumit Singh

Sr. Associate at UnitedLex specializing in Patent Invalidity | Landscape Analysis | SEP Mining | IP Monetization
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Examine the data and results obtained from the experiment. Identify any anomalies, unexpected outcomes, or errors in the experimental setup.

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Amin Mohsenzadeh

Medical Microbiologist | Research Assistant at Tehran Heart Center | Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute | Tehran University of Medical Science | Microbiome, CardioMicrobiology & NeuroMicrobiology
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If laboratory experiments fail, troubleshoot by reviewing the experimental design and methodology, checking equipment and materials, consulting with colleagues or experts, and considering alternative approaches before repeating the experiment with adjustments.

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Lucas Lombardero Lavignasse, PhD

R&D ◆ Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Toxicology ◆ Experimental Design & Data Analysis ◆ Lab & Project Management ◆ Innovation ◆ Critical Thinking ◆ Problem-Solving ◆ Process Optimization ◆ Organization & Teamwork
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Mistakes always happen. The important thing is to understand the protocol being followed: what is expected and what is not. Knowing the function of each element being used and how it should behave is key. This way, you can discover where the error lies and address it effectively. Los errores son inevitables. Lo crucial es comprender el protocolo en curso: qué se espera y qué no. Es fundamental entender la función de cada elemento empleado y su comportamiento adecuado. De esta manera, podrás identificar dónde se encuentra el error y corregirlo eficazmente.

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2 Communicate the failure

The second step is to communicate the failure and seek feedback from others. You should not be afraid or ashamed to share your failure with your supervisor, colleagues, or peers, as they may have valuable insights, suggestions, or experiences that can help you overcome the challenge. You can also use various platforms and channels to communicate your failure, such as lab meetings, journals, blogs, podcasts, or social media. By communicating the failure, you can foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and learning in your laboratory.

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Lucas Lombardero Lavignasse, PhD

R&D ◆ Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Toxicology ◆ Experimental Design & Data Analysis ◆ Lab & Project Management ◆ Innovation ◆ Critical Thinking ◆ Problem-Solving ◆ Process Optimization ◆ Organization & Teamwork
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More than simply communicating the error, it's about sharing it. By involving your colleagues in your mistakes, you're making significant progress in your research. One can easily become trapped in their own thoughts. By sharing the errors, the discussion surrounding them may reveal that something considered very simple could be the solution. Más que simplemente comunicar el error, se trata de compartirlo. Al involucrar a tus colegas en tus errores, estás avanzando enormemente en tu investigación. Uno puede quedar atrapado fácilmente en sus propios pensamientos. Al compartir los errores, la discusión sobre los mismos puede revelar que algo considerado muy simple podría ser la solución.

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3 Adapt to the failure

The third step is to adapt to the failure and make changes to your plan, strategy, or approach. You may need to revise your research question, hypothesis, or objectives, or modify your experimental design, protocols, or methods. You may also need to acquire new skills, knowledge, or resources, or explore new directions, perspectives, or opportunities. You should be flexible, creative, and resilient in adapting to the failure, and avoid being stuck in a rut or giving up.

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Annish J

Expertise: FMCG | Healthcare & Life Sciences | Primary & Secondary Research | Technology Scouting | Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) | Market Research | Competitive Intelligence | Due Diligence | Sustainability
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Unexpected or negative results can be just as valuable as positive ones because?they may lead to new questions, hypotheses, or avenues of investigation. For instance history's biggest failed experiment, the Michelson-Morley experiment, proved that light do not require any medium (aether or ether: postulated medium for the propagation of light) to travel. So one approach could be changing one's mindset and trying to observe things differently and with a positive attitude.

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4 Document the failure

The fourth step is to document the failure and record its details, causes, effects, and solutions. You can use various formats and tools to do this, such as notebooks, spreadsheets, databases, or software. You should also organize, label, and archive your failed experiments and data, and make them accessible and searchable for future reference. By documenting the failure, you can create a valuable repository of information, evidence, and knowledge that can benefit your own and others' research.

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Sumit Singh

Sr. Associate at UnitedLex specializing in Patent Invalidity | Landscape Analysis | SEP Mining | IP Monetization
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Record detailed notes on the failed experiment, including observations, potential sources of error, and modifications made for subsequent attempts. This documentation can serve as a valuable reference for future troubleshooting and experimental planning.

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Lucas Lombardero Lavignasse, PhD

R&D ◆ Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Toxicology ◆ Experimental Design & Data Analysis ◆ Lab & Project Management ◆ Innovation ◆ Critical Thinking ◆ Problem-Solving ◆ Process Optimization ◆ Organization & Teamwork
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To succeed in experiments, it's essential to report everything you see, what catches your attention, and anything unusual. A single sentence in your notes can be the difference between a successful trial and a failed one. Para tener éxito en los experimentos, es fundamental informar sobre todo lo que observes, lo que llame tu atención y cualquier cosa fuera de lo común. Una simple oración en tus anotaciones puede marcar la diferencia entre un ensayo exitoso y uno fallido.

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5 Recover from the failure

The fifth step is to recover from the failure and restore your well-being, motivation, and confidence. You should acknowledge your emotions, such as frustration, disappointment, or anger, and express them in healthy ways, such as talking, writing, or exercising. You should also practice self-care, such as taking breaks, sleeping well, eating well, or meditating. You should also celebrate your achievements, no matter how small or big, and appreciate your efforts, progress, and learning. By recovering from the failure, you can maintain your mental and physical health and happiness as a researcher.

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6 Embrace the failure

The sixth and final step is to embrace the failure and recognize its value and potential. You should not view failure as a setback, a flaw, or a waste, but as an opportunity, a lesson, or a resource. You should also not let failure define you, limit you, or discourage you, but inspire you, challenge you, or empower you. You should also develop a growth mindset, a curiosity mindset, and a positive mindset towards failure, and see it as an integral and inevitable part of scientific research. By embracing the failure, you can transform it into a source of innovation, discovery, and success.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sumit Singh

Sr. Associate at UnitedLex specializing in Patent Invalidity | Landscape Analysis | SEP Mining | IP Monetization
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If necessary, revise your experimental design based on the insights gained from the failed experiment. Make adjustments to variables, controls, or methodologies to address the shortcomings observed in the initial attempt

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What do you do if your laboratory experiments fail?

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1 Analyze the failure

2 Communicate the failure

3 Adapt to the failure

4 Document the failure

5 Recover from the failure

6 Embrace the failure

7 Here’s what else to consider

Laboratory Management

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