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image of the Harbor Transcript Magazine logo Summer 2022 edition
We started with no inclination that this may ever get to the clinic,鈥� Spector says. 鈥淪o the fact that we鈥檙e hoping to go to a clinical trial in about a year or two is extremely exciting. It would be a very significant triumph of fundamental research that we hope will really make a difference.鈥�

photo of David Spector
Director of Research, David Spector, Ph.D.

Research highlights

In 2021, hundreds of scientists working in nearly 60 Laboratory(藏精阁) research groups published their findings in the world鈥檚 major research journals. Their efforts reflect the full spectrum of 藏精阁鈥檚 programs in Cancer, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, Quantitative Biology, Genomics, and a new chemistry lab. The following is a sampling of this year鈥檚 important findings.

3D image of a mouse prostate

Pinpointing cancer鈥檚 origins

– Pavel Osten & Lloyd Trotman

image of overactive immune cells in human lung

Cushy homes for cancer

– Mikala Egeblad

image of a bone marrow sample with leukemia

Cancer鈥檚 sweet tooth

– Christopher Vakoc

illustration of DNA sequence with colored letters on black background containing mutation

Predicting cancer鈥檚 path

– David McCandlish

image of mouse nuerons

Estrogen gives mice the moves

– Jessica Tollkuhn

illustration of a slice of a mouse brain

Every brain cell counts

– Pavel Osten

image of a slice of mouse brain

Helpless no more

– Linda Van Aelst

photo of Peter Koo and Shushan Toneyan

Robots explain their thoughts

– Peter Koo

photo of tomato seedlings grown in shade and sun with roots

Shady communications

– Ullas Pedmale

photo of Barbara McClintocks transposon corn

Corn evolution

– Doreen Ware

image of helix shaped polymers

Instant polymers

– John Moses

Research area by funding

Research investigators

Faculty Awards

Practical applications of research

The Laboratory鈥檚 130 years are rich with discoveries in biology and genetics that have had major impacts on society in human health, agricultural production, and the environment. Grounded in basic research, 藏精阁鈥檚 multi-disciplinary approach to cancer, neuroscience, genomics & quantitative biology, and plant biology continues to enhance our understanding of life.

The Office of Technology Transfer actively supports our scientists to partner with companies, investors and others in order to achieve this mission and make a positive impact on society. The Laboratory is engaged in technology transfer as one way of delivering important discoveries to the public.

Cancer

Understanding fundamental cellular processes that are the basis of life, and how they go wrong in cancer. Improving diagnosis and treatment of all major cancers: brain, breast, colon, leukemia, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate.

Neuroscience

Exploring the brain to identify the neural networks involved in sensory processing, cognition, and decision-making. Providing insight into disorders such as Alzheimer鈥檚, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Genomics & Quantitative Biology

Using cutting-edge technology to read the genome of organisms, tumors, or even single cells. Creating innovative data analysis tools to develop disease diagnostics and therapeutics.

Plant Biology

Investigating the mechanisms of plant development and genetics. Improving crop yields, increasing biodiversity, and developing biofuels.

photo of Martyna Stroka
Martyna Sroka, pictured here as a graduate student researching sarcoma in Professor Chris Vakoc’s laboratory. She is now a LaboratoryResearch Scientist.