Research suggests that a newly identified gene known as insomniac is an important reason why we get drowsy and fall asleep. By cloning and testing this gene in fruit flies, Rockefeller University researchers say they have discovered an entirely new mechanism by which sleep is regulated. More »
Study in fruit flies reveals a gene affecting the ability to sleep
Tags: Michael W. Young
In cancer, molecular signals that recruit blood vessels also trigger metastasis
Cancer cells are most deadly when they’re on the move – able not only to destroy whatever organ they are first formed in, but also to create colonies elsewhere in the body. New research has now shown how a small RNA prevents the recruitment and formation of blood vessels near cancer cell destined to become metastases, a process that must occur in order for them to grow. The scientists say that if drugs could be developed that act on the pathways regulated by this microRNA, they might be able to block the metastatic process and prevent some breast cancers from becoming deadly. More »
Tags: cancer, metastasis, Sohail Tavazoie
2011 Nobel Prize Ceremony to be webcast live
Tomorrow, the family of Nobel Prize winner Ralph M. Steinman, who died September 30, will accept the Nobel medal and diploma on his behalf from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. The ceremony will be Webcast live beginning at 10:20 a.m. Eastern Time. A video of the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony will also be available a few days later. More »
Resident protection
To keep the body safe, the immune system enlists more than one form of protection. Rockefeller University scientists, working in collaboration with researchers at New York University, are learning about an important, but little-known, network of dendritic cells in lymph nodes through innovative, live-action imaging. More »
Statin-intolerant patients need a different type of clinical trial, Rockefeller researchers say
Although only five percent of people in clinical trials report side effects from statin drugs, in practice the problem is far greater. Clinical trials need to better address the needs of statin-intolerant patients, Rockefeller researchers say. More »
University joins 10 leading medical and research institutions to form New York Genome Center
The New York Genome Center, which will become one of the largest genomic facilities in North America, will begin operations as early as spring 2012 in its 120,000 square foot Manhattan facility.
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Marc Tessier-Lavigne elected to Institute of Medicine
A world leader in the study of brain development, Tessier-Lavigne has pioneered the identification of the molecules that direct the formation of connections among nerve cells to establish neuronal circuits in the mammalian brain and spinal cord. Tessier-Lavigne is among 65 new members and five foreign associates elected to the Institute this year. More »
Neurobiologist visits Rockefeller as part of renewed scientific exchange program with Karolinska Institute
Thomas Perlmann, a neurobiologist at the Karolinska Institute who studies the dopamine-producing cells that die during the development of Parkinson’s disease, will visit the Rockefeller University campus this week and give the Nicholson Lecture on Friday. The lecture is part of a recently renewed program that supports research exchanges between the university and the Karolinska Institute. More »
Michael W. Young to receive 2011 Horwitz Prize for studies on molecular basis of circadian rhythms
Michael W. Young will share Columbia University’s Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize with with Jeffrey C. Hall and Michael Rosbash for their work on the molecular basis of circadian rhythms. His research provides a basis for the development of possible treatments for hereditary sleep disorders in humans. More »
Rockefeller University scientist Ralph Steinman, honored today with Nobel Prize for discovery of dendritic cells, dies at 68
Rockefeller University cell biologist Ralph M. Steinman, who discovered the immune system’s sentinel dendritic cells and demonstrated that science can fruitfully harness the power of these cells and other components of the immune system to curb infections and other communicable diseases, is this year’s recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden, announced today. He shares half the prize with Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann. More »
Papavasiliou and Stavropoulos receive “transformative” NIH grant
Gaby Maimon named one of Popular Science’s “Brilliant Ten”
The honor recognizes Maimon’s development of a technique to monitor electrical activity in individual neurons as fruit flies navigate a virtual world in “tethered flight.” Maimon’s platform provides a bridge to link genes, through the electrical activity of neurons, to fly behavior. In his system, flies are attached to a small plate where they can flap their wings in “tethered flight.” More »
DNA testing by high school students shows many teas contain unlisted ingredients
Unlisted ingredients identified by DNA barcoding technology include weeds such as annual bluegrass and herbal plants such as chamomile. Though mostly harmless, the surprise ingredients could affect a tiny minority of consumers with acute allergies. More »
Scientists identify broad and potent HIV antibodies that mimic CD4 binding
A new approach gives researchers the ability to isolate single antibodies as well as investigate entire families of highly active antibodies against HIV.
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Cancer stem cells identified, offering new drug targets
Stem cell researchers at Rockefeller University have identified stem cells of squamous cell skin carcinoma, the second most common cancer in the world, and their molecular signature. The researchers find differences between cancer stem cells and healthy skin stem cells, which provide invaluable diagnostic marker and suggests the possibility to specifically target the root of cancer while leaving normal cells unaffected. More »
Tags: Elaine Fuchs, stem cells
Rockefeller alum Vanessa Ruta named to university’s faculty
Ruta, a neuroscientist interested in understanding how circuits in the brain can be modified by experience, will establish the Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior this fall.
Tags: Vanessa Ruta
23 students receive Ph.D.s at Rockefeller’s 53rd commencement
The Rockefeller University will award doctoral degrees to 23 students at its commencement ceremony today, and in addition, will award honorary doctor of science degrees to two respected scholars: Richard Axel of Columbia University and Linda B. Buck of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. More »
Tags: convocation
Scientists create humanized mouse model for hepatitis C
A team of researchers led by scientists in the Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease at Rockefeller have, for the first time, recreated a portion of the hepatitis C virus life cycle in a mouse with a functional immune system. The new mouse model will enable scientists to test molecules that block entry of the hepatitis C virus into cells as well as potential vaccine candidates. More »
Tags: Charles M. Rice, hepatitis C
The Great Reversal, an increase in forest density worldwide, is under way
A new study by scientists at Rockefeller University and colleagues in the United States and Finland challenges measurements of carbon storage based on forest area alone. Several national increases of density and/or area signal the Great Reversal is under way in forests globally after centuries of loss and decline. More »
