In a shocking twist to workplace rivalry, a lab worker at the University of Wisconsin has been charged with attempting to poison a colleague. Makoto Kuroda reportedly felt envy over a promotion awarded to the colleague, identified only as TM, and took drastic measures by lacing TM’s water bottle and shoes with a dangerous mix of paraformaldehyde and chloroform.
This dark episode unfolded when TM detected a strange taste in his water and a foul smell coming from his shoes, prompting him to alert the authorities. Subsequent investigations revealed that Kuroda had a frustrating history with TM, culminating in this bizarre and dangerous act of retribution. In an unusual confession, Kuroda expressed that he simply wanted TM to “feel bad.”
It’s hard to believe that workplace jealousy could spiral to such extremes, raising questions about mental health and the pressures of academic competitions. In the end, perhaps it’s a warning sign to all of us: when it comes to career competition, it’s best to take a deep breath and leave the poison behind!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.





