Buffer Memes

Every biologist knows the existential truth: no matter what the problem is, Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) will somehow fix it. Left side: regular water. Right side: PBS, labeled "the cooler water." It's basically lab water with benefits — maintaining pH and osmotic balance while we frantically try to keep our cells alive. Grad students survive on coffee, cells survive on PBS. Coincidence? I think not. The ultimate lab flex is casually saying "just add PBS" to every protocol question without elaborating further.