The writing was good, the character's Okay, and the story held my interest. I love the humor.
Giving the characters more liveliness and bickering might have set the ending up better. Especially, if two were betting on what the gap really was and calling each other idiots. If each felt he/she were so right that a couple of hundred dollars was flashed before the other scientist present, then more tension might have been felt as the story neared the end.
I'm sure there are other techniques to enhance the middle of the story, and maybe others will suggest some.
I like all of the author's story.
Nice job!! Nice un-expected twist at the end!!!