The labs of Tony Hunter and Rusty Gage published follow-up research in the journal eLife on July 12 showing how neurons manage energy. The team identified the workings of a dramatic metabolic shift in developing neurons that make them oxygen dependent. The research informs how normal neurons develop and may help better reveal how this metabolic process goes awry in cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

The brains of some people with autism spectrum disorder grow faster than usual early on in life, often before diagnosis. A new effort co-led by Gage's team has employed a cutting-edge stem cell technique to unravel the mechanisms driving the mysterious phenomenon of excess brain growth, which affects as many as 30 percent of people with autism, detailed in the journal Molecular Psychiatry (pictured, right).



Additionally, Gage's lab discovered that a small stretch of ribonucleic acid (called microRNA) guides the placement of new neurons in the adult brain, and the molecule is disrupted in cells from patients with schizophrenia. The findings, published in the journal Neuron, pave the way toward a better understanding of how the adult brain controls the growth of new neurons and how it can go wrong.

David Schubert's team found preliminary evidence that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds found in marijuana can promote the cellular removal of amyloid beta, a toxic protein associated with  Alzheimer's disease. While these exploratory studies were conducted in neurons grown in the laboratory, they may offer insight into the role of inflammation in Alzheimer's disease and could provide clues to developing novel therapeutics for the disorder.

An international team of scientists has sequenced the genomes and epigenomes of more than 1,000 Arabidopsis thaliana plants, sampled from geographically diverse locations. Salk Professor Joseph Ecker directed the 1,001 epigenomes project, which will reveal more information about plant adaptation and evolution.

Salk faculty Tom Albright and Janelle Ayres have been tapped to talk about their research at the seventh annual TEDx San Diego on October 22 at Copley Symphony Hall. They are among 10 speakers for this year's event, "The Age of Magic," which aims to celebrate aspects of life that produce a sense of awe and wonder.

Registration is now open and an early bird discount is available through July 31.

Congratulations to Helmsley-Salk Fellow Dmitry Lyumkis, who has garnered the 2016 George Palade Award by the Microscopy Society of America for distinguished contributions to the field of microscopy and microanalysis in the life sciences. Lyumkis was awarded the prize in recognition of his work using and developing single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to gain deeper insight into the complex roles macromolecules play in human diseases such as cancer and HIV.

The Salk Institute lost a visionary supporter with the death of John Codey. A trustee of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Codey played an integral role in accelerating research at Salk in diverse areas of science, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Through Codey's advocacy and the support of the other trustees and staff, Salk received a $42 million award from the Helmsley Trust in 2013----the largest in the Institute's history----enabling Salk's scientists to use genomic data and powerful technologies to understand how certain cellular pathways serve as lynchpins for chronic diseases and to pave the way to new powerful therapies. Other Helmsley gifts included a $5.5 million grant to establish the Salk Center for Nutritional Genomics, and $15 million to create a collaborative stem cell project involving Salk and Columbia University. 

An active member of the Salk International Council and a raconteur with a warm personality, Codey will be greatly missed by the entire Salk community.

Salk research associates Amandine Chaix, Maryam Ahmadian and Sheila Rao will share their latest discoveries influencing the future of human health during "Nutritional Genomics: Health and Well-being," a Salk Women & Science program hosted by Assistant Professor Janelle Ayres on July 20 at the Institute.

For more information on the Salk Women & Science program, contact Betsy Collins, director of Donor Relations, at [email protected] or (858) 453-4100 x1426.

Tickets to the hottest ticket in town----Symphony at Salk----are on sale now. The August 20 concert under the stars will showcase Tony Award-winning actress Kelli O'Hara and the San Diego Symphony under the direction of guest conductor Maestro Thomas Wilkins.

Make sure you don't miss out on this Broadway experience by purchasing your tickets now. In addition to O'Hara performing tunes from The Great American Songbook, your ticket includes a cocktail reception and gourmet supper.