SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWS

Salk Institute leading $126 million effort to map the aging human brain With the largest grant in Institute history, Professor Joseph Ecker will lead the new Center for Multiomic Human Brain Cell Atlas. The center, which also includes Research Professor Margarita Behrens and collaborators at UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and Washington University in St. Louis, will detail the many individual cells that make up the human brain—their molecular features, where they are found, and how they change with age. Read More » See also: Science » STAT » KPBS »

Aggression de-escalation gene identified in fruit flies

Associate Professor Kenta Asahina and team discovered a gene and a group of cells in the brain that play a critical role in suppressing aggression in fruit flies. The findings have implications for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, which can sometimes cause increased aggression and combativeness. Read more » See also: GEN » La Jolla Light »

Beyond neurons: How cells called astrocytes contribute to brain disorders

Associate Professor Nicola Allen and team showed how brain cells called astrocytes contribute to brain disorders. They identified a molecule produced by astrocytes that interferes with normal neuron development in Rett, fragile X, and Down syndromes. Blocking the molecule reduced the signs of disease in mice brains. Read more » See also: WIRED »

How light and temperature work together to affect plant growth

Professor Joanne Chory and team discovered how light and temperature work together to affect plant growth. The findings will help scientists predict how plants will respond to climate change—and increase crop productivity despite rising temperatures. Read more » See also: Earth.com »

IN THE NEWS

The Wall Street Journal Scientists move closer to unlocking the secrets of the immortal jellyfish, and possibly human aging Read article » CBS More sleep for students: California starts later school time as other states may follow Watch news clip »

WebMD What if you could get the benefits of exercise without working out? Read article » The Stem Cell Report Modeling neuropsychiatric disorders in a dish Listen to podcast »

EVENTS

SEP 2

Celebration of life for Walter Eckhart View video » The Institute lost a pioneer and friend last June when Professor Emeritus Walter Eckhart, who served as director of the Salk Institute’s Cancer Center and head of the Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory for more than 30 years, died at the age of 84. On September 2, his family, friends, colleagues, and other Salk community members gathered to celebrate his life. The hybrid event was recorded and can be viewed here.

NOV 2

Save the date: Salk Women & Science event On November 2 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. the Salk Women & Science program will host a hybrid event to discuss the importance of mentorship and announce the latest Women & Science Special Awards. More information is forthcoming.

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SCIENCE QUIZ

Which of the following is NOT true about Arabidopsis thaliana? Commonly called “pearl drops” Select First plant to have its genome sequenced Select Considered a weed Select Produces perfect flowers (“perfect” meaning they have both stamens and carpel) Select

Arabidopsis thaliana: A small plant commonly used as a tool for studying the molecular biology of plant traits and testing approaches for crop improvement.

Enjoy Salk architecture on your devices

Looking for a unique background image for your computer, Zoom meeting, iPad or phone? Architect Louis Kahn designed the Salk Institute so that twice per year, on the spring and fall equinoxes, the setting sun lines up with the "River of Life" in the Salk courtyard.

Credit: Salk Institute

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