DISCOVERIES
February 2020
Cancer growth slowed by prebiotics

Two prebiotics slowed the growth of melanoma in mice by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, according to a study from Ze'ev Ronai, Ph.D., and Scott Peterson, Ph.D. Published in Cell Reports, the study provides further evidence that gut microbes have a role in shaping the immune response to cancer and supports efforts to target the gut microbiome to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy.

A deep dive into cells reveals a novel anti-aging approach

Mitochondria trigger senescence, the sleep-like state of aged cells, by communicating with the nucleus, according to a study from Peter Adams, Ph.D. His team also identified an FDA-approved drug that suppressed aging's damaging effects in cells of mice. The discovery, published in Genes & Development, could lead to treatments that promote healthy aging or prevent age-associated diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and more.  

Q&A: Should you worry about the coronavirus outbreak?

In the two months since the novel coronavirus jumped from a still-unknown source to humans, the virus has spread to 26 countries, killed more than 2,000 people and sickened more than 75,000—including two individuals in San Diego. Here’s what Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., director of Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, has to say about the virus that's spreading fear around the world.

NEW ADDITIONS
Sanford Burnham Prebys welcomes new trustees Karen Haynes and Donald Kearns

Karen Haynes, Ph.D., president emerita at California State University San Marcos; and Donald Kearns, M.D., president emeritus at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, have been appointed to the Institute’s Board of Trustees. Haynes served as the president of the California State University San Marcos from 2004 until her retirement in 2019; and Kearns was the president and CEO of Rady Children’s Hospital, the sixth-largest pediatric hospital in the U.S., from 2014 to 2018.

EVENTS
Padres Pedal the Cause donates $3.1 million to cancer research 

Garth Powis, D. Phil., director of the Sanford Burnham Prebys’ National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center—one of only seven in the nation—joined representatives from the beneficiary institutes onstage for the check-presentation ceremony. 

Scientists and artists unite for San Diego Art Institute exhibit

An exciting new exhibit pairs 16 local artists with San Diego scientists. Above, Alzheimer's researcher LuLin Jiang, Ph.D. (right), and artist Becky Guttin (left) pose next to Guttin's installation, an allegory of Alzheimer's in progress. Photo credit: Tim Hardy Photography.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Raise a Solo cup for medical research

Co-chairs Melissa and Scott Murfey, and Sheri and Steven Spector invite you to bring your sense of humor and have fun at the most unique event in San Diego: Bring It! This high-intensity, game-show experience supports our goal of making groundbreaking discoveries that lead to tomorrow’s cures. We hope you can join us on Thursday, April 30.

Join us at the Festival of Science & Engineering

Calling all science enthusiasts, children and parents! 2020 marks Sanford Burnham Prebys' fifth year participating in the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. We hope to see you at our booth on EXPO Day in Petco Park, which will feature zebrafish, worms, DNA origami and more. The event, to be held on Saturday, March 7, is free and open to the public.

IN THE NEWS
Science reporter Shalina Chatlani visited Ze'ev Ronai's lab to learn how prebiotics can help fight cancer.
IN THE COMMUNITY
At Sanford Burnham Prebys, we are passionate about finding bold new ways to treat disease, and we recognize the importance of sharing our discoveries with the public. Find out where and when you can meet our scientists and learn about their research in this community event calendar.
PHILANTHROPY
Please Donate
Catalyst Club

Become part of a special community of Sanford Burnham Prebys supporters by joining our new monthly giving club. You will also receive a beautiful and sleek black Sanford Burnham Prebys Catalyst Club tote bag, perfect for your everyday needs.