Time-Wasting Tip #3 (for the Overworked Grad Student)

By Alexandra Greer
Science Editor

Got a long incubation time to kill? Waiting for your cells to spin? Bored inbetween classes? In class? This week we suggest you catch up on RadioLab, a bi-weekly science podcast broadcast by National Public Radio.

This week’s podcast covers end-of-life decisions and the differences between what doctors often suggest for their patients and what doctors would prefer for their own care.

Each week, they cover a different theme concerning science and philosophy and are told in a compelling, interesting way that will surely keep your brain occupied while you meticulously label 200 Eppendorf tubes, fill them, pack them in boxes, and put in the freezer. And then do it again.

They’re on their 11th season, meaning not only is the podcast good, but that you’ll probably have enough to last until you finally get that experiment working. And they’re free! To listen or download podcasts, go to radiolab.org and click “Listen.”

Check next week for another grad-student approved distraction — suggestions are welcome!

Alexandra Greer is a fifth-year graduate student in the Biomedical Sciences and promises her PI that she doesn’t waste that much time when she is in the lab.