We were starting an agar-plate culture of genetically modified bacteria by streaking the sample across the plate with a glass spreader. Sound simple? Well, the tools all have to be sterilized first, and the favored method of achieving this involves dipping the spreader in ethanol, then running it across a Bunsen burner to temporarily ignite the alcohol. Then the spreader must be cooled under the hood for a few seconds prior to streaking. However, one student apparently thought it would be faster to simply dip his spreader in a cold liquid after using the burner. Unfortunately, he decided ethanol was the proper reagent and dipped his spreader back into the container, which was filled with enough ethanol to sterilize 85 students' tools. Naturally, the entire container ignited, simultaneously melting all the student's plastic agar plates and starting a rather large laboratory fire.

Last I heard the student suffered only burns, but I am sure the bacteria cultures did not do so well.

Submitted on 10/05/2006

Submitted by: Emmy Tomforde
Reference: Personal account

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Personal Account
I love your write-up, Emily! While the stupidity may not be of the highest caliber, the fact that it's a PA combined with the humorous visual and first-class write up pretty much give it the green light. Perhaps the readers may get a chuckle out of this too!

Jorge said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account

Graham said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Ahhh, laboratory 'accidents'. This one could have been worse than it was - alcohol burns ferociously! More a case of not using common sense than sheer stupidity I'd say.

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4