BRIGHT IDEAS FROM THE BOX CANYON

A monthly newsletter that includes a collection of important news and updates from Telluride Science.

IN THE NEWS

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Thanks to a couple of storms that have rolled through the southwest, Telluride has been transformed back into a winter wonderland. We have been enjoying powder turns and interacting with our supporters and community members at several events hosted by Telluride Science.

A special thanks to Laura and Kevin O’Connor for hosting the Science of Aging Salon Talk at their lovely home in Mountain Village. During this intimate gathering, Dr. Vadim Backman, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Genetics and the Associate Director of the Cancer Center at Northwestern University, spoke about how advancements in science and technology have drastically increased our lifespan. Soon, it will be possible to live a quality, active and pain-free life until we are 120 years old. Listen to some of the highlights from his talk here.

Last week, we were also very fortunate to have Jenée Cyran, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor University, and her sister Deanna Cyran, a CMS certified sommelier and wine consultant, present the Science of Wine. While tasting red and white wine, attendees learned a plethora of information including how the fermentation process affects the taste, why wine made from the same grape can taste differently, what compounds in wine cause hangovers, and much more.

Our great programming continues TONIGHT with an exciting webinar about breakthrough treatments in the fight against cancer. Join us at 4 pm MST for a talk led by experts at MD Anderson, the top cancer center in the country (more information at bottom of page).

THE DEPOT

Momentum is building in Phase II of our capital campaign. We are on an aggressive fundraising push to raise $1 million by the end of April so that we can start renovations in the fall (missing our start date could equate to a two to three-year renovation delay due to contractor and trade availability). We are laser-focused on hitting our fundraising targets. If you have friends or colleagues that might be interested in supporting the project, please email Annie Carlson.

SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE

Judy Kim

Board President of Telluride Science

Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Senior Associate Dean of the Graduate Division

University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

Telluride Science has had a very positive impact on Kim’s career. “I have had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with different scientists from all over the world which expanded my mind, my experiences, and my network in so many ways. I learned new science that is not directly related to my own research, but nonetheless sparked new ideas and taught me important concepts.”

Although more than a decade has passed since her first Telluride Science workshop in 2011, Judy Kim remembers it like yesterday. Since her first “Chemistry & Dynamic in Complex Environments” workshop, Kim's involvement and dedication to the organization has grown with each passing year; she is now the Board President.

Kim’s field of study is biophysical chemistry, which is where chemistry, biology, and physics intersect. She is focused on complex reactions that nature has optimized; a current project analyzes how proteins, the machinery of our cells, assemble or “fold” into the ideal 3-D structure that allows it to perform its function. A protein that does not fold properly can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes. Insights from her work have far-reaching impacts in the fields of health and medicine. The ability to identify molecular markers of disease at a much earlier stage of progression (before visual appearance of a tumor) is a grand challenge that requires the interdisciplinary approach utilized at Telluride Science.

HOST A SCIENTIST

A special thanks to Miles & Nicole Cook, Sally Puff Courtney/Jim Harley, Jim & Joanne Steinback, John & Sueanne Kim, and Vadim Backman/Luisa Marcelino for offering lodging to a visiting scientist. Their support helps Telluride Science address the challenge of finding affordable lodging for our scientists.

If you are interested in hosting a scientist for five or six nights at an affordable rate in your guest house, condo or home this winter or next summer, please email Annie Carlson.

WHAT'S PLAYING

SCIENCE OF AGING PODCAST

Dr. Vadim Backman, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Genetics and the Associate Director of the Cancer Center at Northwestern University, discusses how advancements in science and technology make it possible to increase our lifespan to 120 years old. Is it possible to live a long, high-quality and active life without the ailments and diseases that normally cause pain as people age? Listen to the podcast to find out.

LISTEN

WHAT'S HAPPENING

COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 12

Gondola 25th Anniversary Celebration

March 23

Anders Osborne and Jackie Green Live at Club Red

April 3

Gondola closes for off season

REMINDER: Daylight Savings Time starts Sunday, March 13 so set your clocks forward one hour.

CANCER WEBINAR

TONIGHT: March 8, 4 pm MST

Join us for a webinar lead by two experts from MD Anderson, the top cancer center in the country. Dr. Peter Pisters, President of MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. Katy Rezvani, Division of Cancer Medicine at MD Anderson, will present “Cellular Therapy: The Use of Living Drugs to Combat Viruses and Cancer” to showcase and explain a new frontier in immune cell therapeutics to treat disease.

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