Jeffery Smith wrote:

That said, I tried using Day
One until they decided to go to a subscription format. I haven't found a
replacement, but try to keep some records in Evernote. I may try
Tinderbox. DevonThink is too much. Bear and Ulysses are subscription.
Scrivener might be good.

Have you tried Findings? (http://findingsapp.com/
It is designed specifically for scientists. I am also in graduate school. But, I am not doing a lab.