During research today, Amy and I got to see one of the scientists in the lab obtain cells from a donated umbilical cord. Apparently, there used to be a lot of donors a few years ago, but now the lab is lucky to get one a week. The researcher, Anja, took a syringe attached to a needle and pressed PBS through the vein (she called it, "ze ween") in the center to make sure there weren't any holes. She found a hole and had to cut the cord with a scalpel and then she had to pump all of the blood out of the vein. After that she used clamps and filled the vein with collagenase and incubated it. Anja told us, "I am making fun with ze umbilical cord." I love German accents! It was one of the most exciting things that has happened so far in research. I also got to work with DNA today and develop films too. We are trying to find paint here for tomorrow's game, but so far we haven't had much luck. We're going to try to go shopping in Stuttgart tomorrow before the game...I'm going to try to see if I can watch Pride and Prejudice on my computer tonight...
That's all for now,
~Kiersten
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