My research labs will go from 1.7 to 1 k for no known reason, everything is the same as before. One of them is in sector with + research, but I am not getting credit for the bonus or the lab.

Update I found that sometimes if I check all my labs it will correct it. Also this happens right after I finish research on a new tech.

Figured it out caused by Newb mistakes, it is the shifts.

It sounds like the shifts.
Seems you've already figured it out haha.