For scientists, much like for everyone else, the course of true love rarely runs smooth. But after we discussed the hurdles faced by career-conscious researchers as they pursue romantic relationships (see Nature 446, 463; 2007), we received a flood of letters underlining just how hard it is to mix love and the lab. Fortunately, not all the stories were of love lost. One note described a marriage that has lasted despite each person's professional ambitions. It took ten years for the pair to take a chance on love — they worried that a relationship combined with their careers would make things too complicated. Once they got married, things got very complicated. Far-flung job opportunities meant living apart and left them making frequent flights to meet up — while watching their bank accounts rapidly empty.

In a search for data on lab relationships, another reader conducted an informal survey of 52 scientists. She found that 14 were married to other scientists based in the same lab or others, nearly as many were single, about half as many were in relationships with other scientists, and a few were divorced.

Other stories showed how intrusive lab life can be. One boss insisted that the best science takes place between 5 p.m. and midnight — even while he lamented his own fractured family life. Another told his graduate students that travel and love lives are not conducive to being a successful scientist.

One reader offered his secrets to success. He and his wife, PhD candidates in applied physics and mechanical engineering, respectively, have a one-year-old child. He attributes their success to working under fixed-term contracts — which helps them plan ahead — mutual personal and career support, and remembering to count one's blessings when work and family life seem overwhelming.

Career-related obstacles to relationships aren't unique to science, of course. But scientists would do well to recognize that the search for love, especially among career-driven professionals, can be every bit as complicated as the secrets of nature they are attempting to unravel.