Saw this little tidbit on the net and it kind of pulls back the curtain on how things are discovered in the lab due to mistakes. From EurkeAlert!:
In the study that led to the discovery of the anti-cancer effect, researchers were looking for new ways to reduce inflammation seen in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, bowel diseases that cause pain and diarrhea. Specifically, they were comparing the effect on inflammation of encouraging the action of the PPARgamma protein (with activator compounds) against discouraging it (with inhibitors). The team conducted these experiments using colorectal cancer cells as study models because they arise from normal gut cells and share some of their qualities (e.g. normal inflammatory signals). Unlike normal gut cells, however, cancer cells do not die when removed from the gut wall. Living on in the absence of normal survival signals makes cancer cells dangerous in the body, but useful as cell lines for study.
While comparing PPARgamma activators and inhibitors, Schaefer noted with frustration that her cancer cells were dying before she could complete her experiments. Retracing her steps, she found that she had used too much inhibitor. The team, led by Lawrence J. Saubermann, M.D., associate professor of Medicine at the Medical Center, realized they had come across a potentially new therapeutic effect, and launched experiments to confirm it.
When things go south, it’s important to understand what the problem is so you a.) won’t repeat it or b.) find a solutions to move forward. Take a moment to look at where you failed (don’t dwell on it, analyze it!). Something monumental could come from your mistakes!
