RNA samples are notoriously difficult to work with given their highly labile nature and tendency to degrade even under carefully controlled RNase-free conditions and maintenance in cold environments. Exposure to slightly elevated temperatures for even short time periods can compromise RNA integrity and detrimentally affect downstream assays and results.

An alternative to bone marrow isolation.

Although only recently identified as a new class of molecules, microRNAs have emerged as a one of the most promising areas of research today. Recent data further suggest that medical conditions, such as cancer, can be associated with specific microRN patterns. Identifying these patterns may lead to the development of targeted treatments.

It's 10:30 Thursday night. It's been a busy week and I really don't feel like going back up to the lab tonight. Nonetheless, I put on my raincoat and head for the car. It comes with the turf–if you want to offer DNA synthesis at an academic institution, you've got to find a competitive niche.

Microarray manufacturing is an area that is plagued with numerous technical challenges due, in part, to the complexity of the systems involved and to the variety of proteins and potential assays used.