The most important thing you can do with your email inbox is identify the most critical messages and make sure they're handled first, writes Alex Cavoulacos. Those key messages can be put in a specific folder, as can emails that only require a quick reply and others from people you meet with regularly.

Your career won't reach its potential if you are unable to learn from negative feedback and if you let your job title negatively affect how you view your capabilities, writes Sally Blount. It's also important to know how to adjust your personality for specific situations, such as addressing a large audience or contributing to a small group meeting.

The best way to improve your networking skills is to simply be a good listener, writes Ivan Misner. Make sure you have a positive attitude and the willingness to collaborate with others if you want to be of value to those you meet, Misner writes.

Your cover letter shouldn't be about how badly you want a job, but should focus on the ways in which you can benefit the company, writes Arnie Fertig. Show how you've mastered the requirements listed in the job description and make sure your resume is tailored to back up your claims.

Unplugging from your job duties on a regular basis is the key to avoiding frenetic burnout, writes Stephanie Vozza. Professionals must focus on what matters most to them and take steps to remove sources of frustration that cause burnout.

Synthetic biology businesses got $1 billion from investors in 2016, doubling the amount raised in 2014, according to SynBioBeta data. Startups are applying the technology to uses including food sweeteners to creating materials that emulate spider silk.