Transforming atmospheric carbon into industrially useful materials |
|
Plants are unparalleled in their ability to capture CO2 from the air, but this benefit is temporary, as leftover crops release carbon back into the atmosphere, mostly through decomposition. The lab of Professor Joseph Noel has proposed a more permanent, and even useful, fate for this captured carbon by turning plants into a valuable industrial material called silicon carbide (SiC). Findings like this can help members of Salk’s Harnessing Plants Initiative evaluate and quantify carbon-sequestration strategies to potentially mitigate climate change as CO2 levels continue to rise to unprecedented levels. The study was published in the journal RSC Advances.
|
|
New study shows how to boost muscle regeneration and rebuild tissue |
|
In work that may one day help athletes as well as aging adults, the lab of Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte increased muscle regeneration in mice by activating the precursors of muscle cells, called myogenic progenitors, using a combination of molecular compounds commonly used in stem-cell research. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides insight into the underlying mechanisms related to muscle regeneration and growth.
|
|
Salk scientists reveal role of genetic switch in pigmentation and melanoma |
|
|
|
Despite only accounting for about 1 percent of skin cancers, melanoma causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. While treatments for this serious disease do exist, these drugs can vary in effectiveness depending on the individual. In the journal Cell Reports, Professor Marc Montminy’s lab reveals new insights about a protein called CRTC3, a genetic switch that could potentially be targeted to develop new treatments for melanoma by keeping the switch turned off.
|
|
Distinguished bioengineer Christian Metallo to join Salk as a full professor |
|
|
|
The Salk Institute welcomes bioengineer Christian Metallo, who will join the Salk faculty as a full professor in July 2021. He is currently an associate professor of bioengineering at the University of California San Diego.
|
|
Susan Kaech awarded $300,000 grant in honor of The CART Fund founder Roger Ackerman |
|
|
|
Congratulations to Susan Kaech on being the recipient of a $300,000 grant in memory of The CART Fund founder Roger Ackerman. The CART Fund is a grassroots nonprofit that supports cutting-edge research and created by Rotarians dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
|
|
Institute appoints new Salk Fellow |
|
Credit: Denise Applewhite |
|
The Salk Institute recently appointed neuroscientist Talmo Pereira to the Salk Fellows Program. Pereira, who will begin at Salk in the fall, comes from Princeton University, where he developed computational methods for quantifying animal behavior through motion tracking technology that leverages artificial intelligence (AI). Pereira is interested in building and using computational tools that leverage AI to solve biological problems that would not be tractable otherwise. At Salk, he plans to develop new computational methods to quantify and model biological dynamics across a diverse set of application areas, including social behavior, motor control, plant morphology, and single cell states throughout development and disease. |
|
Salk scientists awarded $10,000 to $100,000 by Kavli Small Equipment Grant program in 2021 |
|
|
|
The Kavli Foundation champions scientific research through its Small Equipment Grant program that provides scientists with unconstrained opportunities to drive greater discovery. The funding will support Salk faculty and research professors working in neuroscience and related fields to purchase or build equipment needed to further their research, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. |
|
Padres Pedal the Cause virtual event a success |
|
|
|
On May 8, 21 members of Team Salk Cancer Center took part in Padres Pedal the Cause, the annual event with the mission of accelerating cures for cancer, with every dollar raised going directly to cancer research in San Diego. This year’s event was held virtually, and participants completed the 100 percent challenge, which consisted of 100 reps, 100 minutes or 100 miles of their favorite activity. To date, the Salk team has raised $13,452 in donations, with the fundraiser continuing through May 31. |
|
Katia Troha garners Dr. Eddie Méndez Award |
|
|
|
Katia Troha of the Ayres lab is a recipient of the 2021 Dr. Eddie Méndez award from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The annual award recognizes postdoctoral researchers from groups historically underrepresented in science, and is named for Méndez, a physician-scientist and cherished colleague at Fred Hutch.
|
|
|
|
The spring issue of Inside Salk lands in mailboxes soon. Learn more about how Salk scientists are piecing together the puzzle that is aging.
Interested in getting on our mailing list to receive the print version of Inside Salk?
|
|
Sponsorships are now available to the 25th annual Symphony at Salk. The event will feature a spectacular evening of music featuring a performance by the legendary Josh Groban and the talented San Diego Symphony. Experience warm camaraderie, gourmet food and drink, a breathtaking sunset and refreshing ocean breezes, all against the backdrop of one of the world’s most striking architectural masterpieces. Symphony at Salk is the cultural event of the summer and sponsoring the event is currently the only way to take part in this extraordinary experience. Individual tickets are not available at this time due to current capacity restrictions.
|
|
Enjoy Salk architecture on your devices
Looking for a unique background image for your computer, Zoom meeting, iPad or phone?
This month’s image showcases the beautiful Salk courtyard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
