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.

Once in my early days as a bench chemist, lab notebooks were collected to serve as evidence in a patent law suit. This experience put the fear into me. I learned a lesson in all aspects of documentation and in reporting defensible data.

The pace of change and growth in the pharmaceutical and biotech environment means that most companies face the daunting task of relocating laboratories at some stage in their development

PIs have an abundance of responsibilities, serving on academic committees, teaching, running a lab, writing papers and grants, and management duties are some of the requirements. In this maze of tasks, it's easy to forget one of the most important aspects of the job–mentoring.