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New insight into how the immune system sounds the alarm
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From left: Christian Klammt, Lucie Ridlon and Björn Lillemeier
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T cells are the guardians of our bodies: they constantly search for harmful invaders and diseased cells, ready to swarm and kill off any threats. A better understanding of these watchful sentries could allow scientists to boost the immune response against evasive dangers (cancer or infections), or to silence it when it mistakenly attacks the body itself (autoimmune disorders or allergies).
Björn Lillemeier published work on August 3, 2015 in Nature Immunology uncovering an entirely new principle for how T cell activity is controlled, which could lead to ways to harness the immune system.
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Receptors in brain linked to schizophrenia, autism
Terrence Sejnowski's lab illustrated how mice lacking a receptor, mGluR5, in one type of neuron in the brain developed compulsive, anti-social behaviors. What's more, their brain patterns resembled those of humans with schizophrenia. The results, published in Molecular Psychiatry on August 11, 2015, indicate that a change in mGluR5 receptors may cause neurodevelopmental disorders and, excitingly, suggest that the molecular change may be reversible.
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William Brody to retire as Salk Institute President
William R. Brody will retire from the Salk Institute on December 31, 2015, having served as president for more than six years. During his tenure, he has overseen the $300 million Campaign for Salk, the Institute's first major fundraising effort, and launched a number of initiatives to ensure that Salk researchers continue to push the boundaries of science and medicine. He will continue his partnership with Salk as an emeritus faculty.
A committee of trustees, faculty and a non-resident fellow, led by Salk Board Chairman Irwin Jacobs, has been formed to spearhead the search for a new president.
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Geoffrey Wahl named a recipient of the National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award
Salk Professor Geoffrey Wahl is a recipient of the Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and will receive $7.9 million over the next seven years to further his cancer research. Currently, Wahl, who holds the Daniel and Martina Lewis Chair, is developing innovative strategies to chart the molecular and genetic underpinnings of breast and other cancers in order to discover novel treatments. The OIA is a new grant program developed by NCI in 2014 that will provide funding to investigators with outstanding records of productivity in cancer research. NCI anticipates funding approximately 60 OIAs from the first round of applications submitted in 2015. |
Coming soon to mailboxes
Learn how groundbreaking plant research can help improve our lives and read the latest updates in cancer, diabetes and more in the next Inside Salk!
Interested in getting on our mailing list to receive the print version of Inside Salk?
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Symphony at Salk August 29, 2015 - SOLD OUT
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An unforgettable night of sizzling JAZZ
Special performances by Chris Botti and John Pizzarelli
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September 18-20, 2015
The Salk Institute's spandex-clad warriors on wheels, Team SCC-Salk Cancer Center Team, is gearing up to participate in the third annual Pedal the Cause San Diego cycling fundraiser on September 18-20. The 16-member team will traverse courses ranging from 10 to 75 miles through San Diego and Temecula to help raise funds for cancer research at Salk, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and Rady Children's Hospital.
To join the team or show your support in other ways, click here »
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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Harnessing pluripotent stem cells for generating functional human organs
As a mammalian species, humans have largely lost their regeneration capacity to repair tissue damages acquired through aging, injury and diseases. Organ donation remains the only viable option for restoring tissue integrity and saving human lives.
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Join us for the Salk Science & Music Series on these selected Sunday afternoons as we continue our mission to benefit mankind through discovery and inspiration. You will leave both elevated and energized.
Each of the six concerts in the series features stunning performances by some of the hottest established and emerging musicians, as well riveting talks about the latest scientific discoveries by Salk scientists.
- October 11, 2015 - Vadym Kholodenko (piano) with Tony Hunter
- November 8, 2015 - Victor Stanislavsky (piano) and Asi Matathias (violin) with
- January 24, 2016 - Victor Goines Jazz Trio with Sreekanth Chalasani
- February 21, 2016 - Cicely Parnas (cello) and Noreen Polera (piano) with
- March 20, 2016 - Julia Bullock (soprano) and Renate Rohlfing (piano) with
- April 24, 2016 - Sean Chen and Karen Joy Davis (duo piano) with Julie Law
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Salk science images for your desktop, tablet or smartphone
This image depicts
parvalbumin cells in the brain. Those without the mGluR5 receptor (right),
have fewer inhibitory (red) connections controlling the activity of excitatory neurons. Courtesy of the Sejnowski lab
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