DISCOVERIES

November 2023

From tobacco to alcohol to opioids, Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers are pursuing novel leads and promising therapies to treat addiction

Tens of millions of Americans are addicted to illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other substances including opioids, with both immediate and long-term harm to not just themselves, but also family, friends and society.

In recent months, researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have earned a series of federal grants and awards, totaling almost $25 million, to advance research that may turn the rising tide and toll of addiction.

“DNA loops” in pediatric brain tumors double relapse risk

A study of medulloblastoma—the most common malignant brain cancer in children—has found that patients with tumors containing loops of DNA found outside of regular chromosomes are twice as likely to relapse and three times as likely to die within five years of diagnosis.

"Understanding how and why these DNA loops form and uncovering ways to therapeutically target them is a significant goal for researchers studying cancers of all types, not just medulloblastoma.” says Lukas Chavez, Ph.D.

Randal J. Kaufman among the world’s most influential scientists

Over the last decade, the publications of Randal J. Kaufman are among the top 1% in the world, according to Clarivate’s 2023 Highly Cited Researchers list, a global ranking of influential researchers based on the number of times their work has been cited in peer-reviewed publications over the last decade.

Dr. Kaufman has been a major contributor to our understanding of how protein folding—and misfolding—lead to cell malfunctions and death.

Congratulations to President and CEO David Brenner

Dr. Brenner was named one of this year's 500 Most Influential People in San Diego, which is published by the San Diego Business Journal. The annual listing highlights leaders across the region and in different disciplines, from health and life sciences to finance, education and technology.

He was also the recipient of the seventh annual “Genius Award,” given by Mainly Mozart, an organization that brings the world’s greatest orchestras to San Diego and promotes and recognizes musical education, excellence and innovation.

Hudson Freeze joins experts to discuss testing to help CAD-affected children

"Some children with CAD deficiency benefit from uridine as a nutritional supplement—and the result is nothing short of amazing. These kids go from bedridden to interacting with people and moving around," says Hudson Freeze, Ph.D.

EDUCATION

Shadow Day supports diversity and inclusion in STEM education

Creating an inclusive environment in STEM is crucial for ensuring a broad range of perspectives and ideas, ultimately contributing to the advancement of scientific research and innovation.

This month, Sanford Burnham Prebys’ DEI Education & Training Committee hosted more than 20 high school and college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds for a day of lab tours and workshops.