kidney stones

Have you ever had a kidney stone? Your answer will be yes or no, not "I'm not sure." Just like the statement "I'm not sure whether I was just run over by a cement mixer" won't play. Both events lack subtlety.

Scientific research, folks in white lab coats, gleaming laboratories, occasional Eureka moments interspersed with hours of work – still sounds interesting if not glamorous. But sometimes, science requires more dedication, more sacrifice.

from Wikipedia