Lab Fun

07 January 2026
ASCB Philly Recap: Science, Friends, Posters, and Cheesesteaks
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In the spirit of scientific curiosity (and questionable decision-making), the Kostova Lab recently took on the Hot Wings Challenge — all the sauces, no skipping, no quitting.
We’re happy to report that everyone made it to the end. No one tapped out. No one cried uncle. Several people briefly questioned their life choices.
Things escalated quickly around sauce #8, when the Scoville units stopped feeling like a number and started feeling like a personal attack. At that point, one participant — ahem, Kamena — abandoned all dignity and began eating ice cream with her hands in a heroic (and mostly ineffective) attempt to extinguish the fire.

Despite burning mouths, red faces, and a room that smelled permanently of regret and buffalo sauce, morale remained high. Spirits were strong. Science was discussed. Milk was consumed. Ice cream did not survive.
In the end, we lived to tell the tale — with full stomachs, mild tongue trauma, and a renewed appreciation for lab mates who suffer together.
Would we do it again?
Ask us after our taste buds regenerate. 😅🔥🍗