Abstract Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated systems (CRISPR/Cas) are revolutionary tools for predictable and repeatable genome editing. In this article, the CRISPR/Cas9 system will be used to engineer the genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As a model organism utilized across biological disciplines, efficient and tailorable methods for engineering the yeast genome are indispensable for a variety of research, educational, and commercial applications. The protocols described here incorporate a simple restriction‐free cloning strategy and digestion‐based screening method that can be readily and easily modified to suit user‐designed experimental needs. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Recombinant pCAS plasmid preparationBasic Protocol 2: Barcode/editing fragment assemblyBasic Protocol 3: Gene editing by yeast co‐transformationAlternate Protocol: Competent yeast preparation and transformation by a lithium acetate/single‐stranded carrier method

Cover: In Sirois et al. (http://doi.org/10.1002/cpet.45), the image shows the CRISPR/Cas system. Bacteria and archaea use the CRISPR/Cas system for adaptive immunity against foreign viruses and plasmids. (1) Upon infection, foreign DNA is processed into small (∼20-bp) fragments which are (2) incorporated between palindromic repeats within the CRISPR locus. (3) The CRISPR locus, containing the spacers and trans-activating RNA (tracrRNA), is transcribed. (4) The spacer transcripts are processed to generate small CRISPR RNA (crRNA) molecules, which base pair with the tracrRNA to form a functional guide RNA (gRNA). (5) A Cas endonuclease protein complexes with the gRNA via the tracrRNA, and is guided to a specific target DNA by the crRNA. (6) Upon encountering the specific DNA sequence, the Cas protein will hybridize to, and cut, the double-stranded DNA, resulting in a double-strand break. Figure adapted from “CRISPR-Cas9 Adaptive Immune System of Streptococcus pyogenes against bacteriophages,” by BioRender.com (2020). Retrieved from https://app.biorender.com/biorender-templates.

Stored biological materials should have minimal pre‐analytical variations in order to provide researchers with high‐quality samples that will give reliable and reproducible results, yet methods of storage should be easy to implement, with minimal cost and health hazard. Frozen tissue samples are a valuable biological resource. Here we compare different methods, such as liquid nitrogen (LN) or dry ice (DI), to a cheap and safe alternative using an aluminum platform (AP). Murine fresh liver and pancreas tissues were used with varying lengths of warm ischemia time. Quality assessment was based on histological evaluation, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, and RNA degradation analysis, as well preservation of antigens for immunofluorescence, in a blinded manner. Both in superficial and deep tissue sections, based on histological assessment, AP is superior to DI, or as good as LN techniques in terms of presence of ice crystals, cutting artifacts, and overall quality/structural preservation. DNA and RNA were successfully extracted in reasonable quantities from all freezing techniques, but RNA degradation was seen for pancreas samples across all techniques. Immunofluorescence with cytokeratin8 (CK‐8), alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), CD3, and B220 shows equally good outcomes for AP and LN, which are better than DI. The aluminum platform is a cheap, yet reliable method to freeze samples, rapidly preserving histological, antigenic, and DNA/RNA quality. Wider testing is required across different sample types. © 2020 The Authors. Basic Protocol: Flash‐freezing fresh tissue with aluminum platform Alternate Protocol 1: Freezing fresh tissue with liquid nitrogen Alternate Protocol 2: Freezing fresh tissue with dry ice

Abstract Conferences play an important role in enabling trainees to develop and apply competencies in science, in communication, and in networking during biomedical PhD and postdoctoral training. This article offers guidelines for trainees on how to use conferences to initiate, sustain, and strengthen connections, including in virtual conference formats which could become the norm in the future. Additionally, it provides tips for expanding professional networks via broad mechanisms such as informational interviews. Recommendations in this manuscript are applicable to trainees pursuing diverse career paths in different STEM fields including education, scientific research, policy, advocacy, consulting, and communication. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Abstract In order for the scientific enterprise to ensure equitable participation for all identities, the settings of professional research labs must cultivate an environment that is inclusive of all backgrounds. We explore here strategies to consider for research labs interested in cultivating inclusive environments. Investigators enacting inclusive strategies must understand the social context of the lab members and their reasons for engaging in science research. For this to be authentic, principal investigators should spend time exploring their own social positioning as well as the purpose of their professional engagement. We unpack the philosophies behind these constructs and provide specific suggestions to prepare individuals to fully engage in the practice of inclusive mentoring in science research labs. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Abstract The laboratory notebook, whether in hardcopy or electronic (ELN) format, represents a true, chronological record of a scientist's bench work, incorporating the primary source of all materials and information related to the design, execution, and outcomes (data) for a specific experiment. The notebook content thus represents a precise, legible record of what was done, why, and by whom. It also describes the outcome of the experiment and how this is related to the initial hypothesis on which performing the experiment was based. As an archive, a laboratory notebook allows others previously unassociated with the work to understand what was done and, if necessary, independently recreate the experiments. A laboratory notebook and its associated records (e.g., computer printouts or HPLC traces) also represent the vital record of the conception date of an invention and its reduction to practice, providing a timely and necessary legal record to support and defend patent applications. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Aims and Scope

This article provides an overview of foundational concepts in business strategy and business development that scientists can apply to starting and expanding their research programs. It covers topics including: defining a value proposition, identifying stakeholders, considering research gaps, strategic collaborations, responsible hiring, strategic planning and time management.