Nonbeliever of the Flame

Some biologists hover near a bunsen burner when preparing bacterial glycerol stocks, others don’t.

I fall in the latter. I’m not a believer of the flame.

I have yet to see good evidence that “flame will create an air current that will keep its surroundings sterile.” I’ve also noticed no difference in my stocks, back when I made ~94 a week.

Nowadays, since many of my lab friends are believers of the flame, I feel like I’m doing something taboo when making stocks.

I’d love to be converted.

On the flip side, always question your protocols!