DISCOVERIES
October 2020
Scientists kill cancer cells by “shutting the door” to the nucleus

Blocking the construction of nuclear pores complexes—large channels that control the flow of materials in and out of the cell nucleus—is devastating to rapidly growing cancer cells, according to a new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists. Published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, the research reveals a new Achilles heel for cancer that may lead to better treatments for deadly tumors such as melanoma, leukemia and colorectal cancer.

Scientists win $8.5 million in "high-risk, high-reward" grants

Alzheimer's researcher Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., and aging researcher Peter Adams, Ph.D., have received NIH Director’s Transformative Research Awards totaling $8.5 million. The awards, which are two of only nine granted this year, fund groundbreaking research with the potential to create new scientific paradigms and establish entirely novel and improved clinical approaches.

Two studies reveal new insights into Alzheimer’s disease

For millions of families and caregivers around the world, the need for an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease remains urgent despite the ongoing pandemic. Now, two studies from Timothy Huang, Ph.D., who was recently promoted to assistant professor at our Institute, bring us one step closer to understanding the root cause of the disease.

NEXT-GEN SCIENTISTS
Introducing the graduate student class of 2020

Get to know this year’s incoming class at our Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, including the ambitious projects they will undertake under the guidance of our faculty members—and a bit more about their lives outside of the lab.

19th annual Trainee Research Symposium is a virtual success

Our annual Trainee Research Symposium is dedicated to highlighting the research of postdoctoral scientists and advanced graduate students. This year nearly 40 early-career scientists presented their research virtually at the two-day, jam-packed event.

VIRTUAL EVENTS
Meet the scientists advancing a potential treatment for addiction

If you or a loved one is coping with addiction, you aren't alone: More than 20 million people have at least one addiction. At "Insights: Addiction," our researchers discussed potential medicines that may help people free themselves from substance abuse and prevent a relapse.

Why we're sending fruit flies to space to learn about the heart

Learn how experiments with fruit flies at the International Space Station are helping Karen Ocorr, Ph.D., find treatments for earthbound people with heart disease. This discussion is part of DMF Talks, the Del Mar Foundation’s unique version of TED Talks.

UPCOMING EVENTS
The quest for better treatments for diabetes

Improved ways to prevent and treat diabetes would benefit more than 400 million people worldwide who live with the condition. Join us virtually at "Insights: Diabetes" on Tuesday, November 17, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT to hear our leading researchers discuss how they are identifying novel drug targets to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Go behind the scenes to learn about cancer and coronavirus

Join us for virtual guided tours inside our labs, and meet scientists who are studying how the novel coronavirus affects cancer. Our scientists will explain how they are repurposing existing drugs to treat COVID-19, using mini lungs to test COVID-19 drugs and more. This event is hosted by the Sanford Burnham Prebys Community Advisory Board and will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. PT.

Unraveling the secrets to healthy aging

Whether we like it or not, getting older is a biological reality. But what if we could slow down the aging clock? Are there secrets in our cells to help us age healthier and live longer? Join us on Tuesday, December 15, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT to learn how our scientists are shedding light on the genes and biology linked to aging—and how they contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and diabetes.

IN THE COMMUNITY
At Sanford Burnham Prebys, we're passionate about finding bold new ways to treat disease and recognize the importance of sharing our discoveries with the publicespecially during this unprecedented time. Find out where and when you can "meet" our scientists virtually and learn about their research in this community event calendar.
IN THE NEWS
Surfer and world-renowned immunologist Carl Ware, Ph.D., shares what it’s like to be a part of Moderna, Inc.’s COVID-19 clinical vaccine trial.

Why should we vote yes on Prop 14? Stem cell scientist Evan Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., appeared on KUSI to explain why he supports the effort.

Learn about Maximiliano D'Angelo's study showing that blocking the "doors" to the cell nucleus can kill cancer cells.

Read about a new world-class consortium to study aging established by Sanford Burnham Prebys, UC San Diego and the Salk Institute.

PHILANTHROPY
Please Donate
Double your COVID-19 donation

Only research will allow scientists to understand and stop COVID-19. We are hopeful that our work will emerge as part of the larger solution to this global health crisis, and we invite you to accelerate our progress and impact. If you donate today, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $500,000—thanks to the generosity of Dinah Conyers Ruch. 
Could you benefit from the CARES Act of 2020?

The new CARES Act of 2020 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make transformative philanthropic gifts, with significant tax benefits to you and your family. Cash gifts to charities such as Sanford Burnham Prebys are deductible at 100% of adjusted gross income.