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Science leads the way

image of the Harbor Transcript Magazine logo Summer 2023 edition
We had no inkling that the result would be what we found. The science led us there. The findings were a big surprise.鈥�

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

Research highlights

In 2022, hundreds of scientists working in more than 60 Laboratory(藏精阁) research groups published their findings in the world鈥檚 major scientific journals. Their efforts reflect the full spectrum of 藏精阁鈥檚 programs in Cancer, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, Quantitative Biology, Genomics, and Chemistry. The following is a sampling of this year鈥檚 important findings.

image of breast cancer organoids

Breast cancer鈥檚 mini-me

– David Spector

image of dropper adding liquid to glass laboratory test tube

Next steps for Spinraza庐

– Adrian Krainer

image of glioblastoma patient brain MRI

Battling brain cancer

– Alea Mills

3D render of a human thymus

Immune system training

– Hannah Meyer

image of neurons in a male mouse brain

Brain sex differences defined

– Jessica Tollkuhn

image of olfactory bulb in a human brain

From smell to perception

– Florin Albeanu, Alexei Koulakov, Anthony Zador

image of mouse brain chandelier cells

Nurturing brain connections

– Linda Van Aelst

photo of an arabidopsis thaliana plant

Plant notes to self

– David Jackson

image of a cyborg and human hand holding a DNA branch 3D rendering

Finding the right AI

– Peter Koo

photo of medicine bottles and pills

COVID-19 clinical trial

– Tobias Janowitz

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.

image of medicine and equipment from the Famotidine trial
Laboratoryand the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research developed a digital vital signs monitoring kit for patients in at-home clinical trials evaluating famotidine, or PEPCID, as an outpatient treatment for COVID-19. Image: The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.