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New campus caterer to focus on fresh food, variety, and sustainability
Committed to innovative cuisine, Great Performances will be introducing changes over the next weeks and months as they get to know Rockefeller tastes and culture.
New gene-engineering technique will help scientists study the immune system
Using gene editing technology, researchers have developed a new way to study B cell activation in mice. This technique makes research more efficient, and has the potential to improve our understanding of immune responses in humans.
Third Rockefeller cryo-EM to help tame poorly behaved proteins
With a new transmission cryo-electron microscope, Rockefeller researchers will be prepared to sleuth out complicated protein structures in increasingly sophisticated ways.
Ant-y social: study of clonal raider ants reveals the evolutionary benefits of group living
A new study in ants demonstrates that living in groups leads to improved fitness. The researchers show that, in larger groups, ants take on specialized roles and colony stability increases.
New faculty member studies the architecture of the genome
Risca explores the three-dimensional structures that organize and support DNA, and the biochemical rules that govern the organization of the genome. She will join Rockefeller as an assistant professor on January 2, 2019.
Structure of ion channel reveals how insects smell their way around the world
Researchers describe, for the first time, the structure of a smell-receptor protein common among insects. Its inner architecture illuminates how insects evolved to detect an amazing diversity of odors.
Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms of rare skin disease
Scientists describe a group of proteins that protect cells from a subtype of human papilloma virus. They also outline genetic mutations that make this virus unusually harmful in people with epidermodysplasia verruciformis, a rare skin condition.
Lack of a single molecule may indicate severe and treatment-resistant depression
Researchers find that a deficiency of acetyl-L-carnitine is associated with a particular subtype of depression. Individuals with very low levels of this molecule often have highly severe symptoms and don’t respond to traditional antidepressants.
Ant study sheds light on the evolution of workers and queens
A new study in ants identifies a peptide that plays an important role in regulating reproduction. This research illuminates a potential trajectory for the evolution of distinct social castes—workers and queens.
Giant neurons in the brain may play similarly giant role in awareness and cognition
Scientists find that certain neurons release nitric oxide onto nearby blood vessels, and potentially use this mechanism to control awareness in the brain.
Erich Jarvis receives grant from W.M. Keck foundation
With a new grant from the W.M. Keck foundation, the Jarvis Lab will further their research on the genes and neural circuits involved in speech production.
Studies reveal possible origin of human speech
Scientists have long debated the evolutionary origins of human speech. New research reveals neural circuits in the brains of monkeys that may represent the source of our unique speech capabilities.
Scientists discover a mechanism of drug resistance in breast and ovarian cancer
A new study helps explain why certain cancers don't respond to treatment, and offers hope for overcoming this deadly resistance.
New faculty member studies the mechanics of development, challenging long-held assumptions
Earlier this month, developmental biologist Amy Shyer joined the Rockefeller community as an assistant professor. Shyer combines mechanical and molecular perspectives to better understand how patterns form and how tissues develop.
Three Rockefeller scientists promoted to professor
Sean Brady, Winrich Freiwald, and Luciano Marraffini have been promoted to professor. Respectively, these scientists have characterized previously unknown small molecules, provided insight into how the brain processes faces, and revolutionized gene editing.
Rockefeller University Press launches new science journal with the publishing arms of EMBO and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Life Science Alliance is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal with a streamlined manuscript submission and review process.
Deep in the fly brain, a clue to how evolution changes minds
A new study sheds light on the mysterious ways in which evolution may tweak the brain to shape behavior. It started with a close look at two Drosophila species and their mating maneuvers.
David Rockefeller Fellowship awarded to graduate student Krithika Venkataraman
Venkataraman has been recognized for her study of the hormonal triggers that lead female mosquitoes to toggle between hunting for blood and spawning eggs.
A new tactic for starving tumors
Scientists have found a metabolic particularity in tumor cells lacking oxygen. The discovery might point to new drugs to target the most difficult-to-treat spots within a tumor.
Scientists solve the case of the missing subplate, with wide implications for brain science
A new study shows that a group of neurons, previously thought to die in the course of development, in fact become incorporated into the brain’s cortex. This research has implications for understanding—and possibly treating—several brain disorders.
Bacterial art, sheep brains, and a fish race: highlights from our Science Saturday festival
The annual event invites children to campus for an unforgettable day of hands-on experiments and interactive learning.
30 young scientists receive Ph.D.s at Rockefeller’s 60th convocation
Since its first convocation, Rockefeller has granted doctor of philosophy degrees in bioscience to more than 1,260 students, including today’s graduates.
Troves from a search for new biomarkers: blood-borne RNA
Scientists have found a new way to trawl blood samples for snippets of RNA released by tumors or diseased organs. The method might eventually help doctors diagnose and track a wide range of medical conditions.
William E. Ford elected Chair of The Rockefeller University Board
Ford succeeds Russell L. Carson, who is retiring after leading the Board for the past 13 years.
Rockefeller tops global university ranking in measures of research excellence and patents
The university ranks first in two major categories in a survey of more than 1600 institutions.
Drowsy worms offer new insights into the neuroscience of sleep
Scientists studying worms have discovered a group of cells that help the body transition from wakefulness to slumber.
A. James Hudspeth to receive Kavli Prize in Neuroscience
Hudspeth is receiving the honor for pioneering work on the molecular and neural mechanisms of hearing.
Genetic mutation identified as culprit in rare infectious disease
Researchers have uncovered the genetic factors that make some people susceptible to Whipple's disease, an intestinal inflammatory disorder that causes diarrhea, pain, and weight loss.
New molecular views of how neurons pace their signals
Detailed structural images reveal how an ion channel helps curtail a neuron’s firing. The work has relevance for diseases in which this molecule malfunctions.
A first look at the earliest decisions that shape a human embryo
For the first time, scientists have shown that a small cluster of cells in the human embryo dictates the fate of other embryonic cells. The discovery of this developmental “organizer” could advance research into many human diseases, and it suggests we have more in common with birds than meets the...
Gaby Maimon and Luciano Marraffini are named HHMI investigators
Maimon, who studies cognition and decision-making, and Marraffini, who studies the bacterial defense system CRISPR-Cas, are among 19 scientists nationwide to receive this designation.
Sohail Tavazoie promoted to professor
Sohail Tavazoie, a physician-scientist who studies the genes that regulate a tumor’s ability to metastasize, has been promoted to professor.
Rockefeller takes first place in global ranking of scientific impact
Out of over 900 universities from 55 different countries, Rockefeller tops a survey measuring the impact of university research publications, scoring the highest percentage of frequently cited scientific publications.
A new way to watch brain activity in action
A new imaging tool makes it possible to track the firing of millions of brain cells in mice while the animals move about as normal. The method could help shed new light onto the neural processes that create behavior.
Jeffrey V. Ravetch to receive 2018 Robert Koch Award
Ravetch receives the award for his groundbreaking work analyzing the immune system’s antibody response. He has worked for decades on the Fc fragment of the antibody molecule and its binding partners, known as Fc receptors.
New method allows scientists to study how HIV persists
Scientists have developed a new strategy to study the cells that host hidden reserves of dormant HIV, a step that may lead to new treatments that go beyond controlling the infection and instead aim to eradicate the virus entirely.
Small molecule from Kapoor lab is accepted as first Bridge Medicines drug candidate
A chemical inhibitor targeting basal cell carcinoma, originating from Tarun Kapoor’s lab, is graduating from the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute into Bridge Medicines.
From infection-dodging stem cells, new tactics for research on viral disease
Among other superpowers, stem cells have a knack for fending off viruses like dengue and zika. Scientists have gained new insight into these curious defense strategies—knowledge they say could fuel the development of drugs against a range of diseases.
Structural studies help explain how cancer cells resist chemotherapy
New research sheds light on how some cancer cells use molecular pumps to expel chemotherapy drugs before they have a chance to work.
Astrophysicist Kip Thorne to receive Rockefeller’s 2018 science writing prize
Thorne is recognized for his deft explanations that have drawn readers into the space-, time-, and mind-bending realm of Einstein’s ideas. The prize, which honors scientists as inspirational authors, will be presented on April 17.
What happens to a dying cell’s corpse? New findings illuminate an old problem
Scientists have discovered a curious way for cells to die. In studying it, they are learning about how remnants of diseased cells are normally chewed up and removed.
Scientists map the portal to the cell’s nucleus
The gateway to cellular headquarters has 552 components. A new map that shows how all these pieces fit together could help scientists study numerous diseases.
Scientists caution that a rare childhood liver cancer can spread to the brain
A new report details three cases of secondary brain tumors in people with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. The researchers say imaging tests could improve treatment for patients whose cancer spreads to the brain from the liver.
Molecular doorstop could be key to new tuberculosis drugs
In discovering how an antibiotic kills the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, scientists open the door to new treatments for the disease—and possibly others, as well.
Building the machinery that makes proteins
Scientists have used cryo-electron microscopy to capture the very first snapshots of the large ribosomal subunit—part of the ribosome responsible for forging bonds between amino acids, the building blocks of proteins—coming together.
Molecule discovered in dirt could help against multi-resistant bacteria
In mining soil for natural drugs, scientists have discovered a brand-new antibiotic potent against many bacteria. They hope it could be used to treat infections that cannot be stopped with existing drugs.
In brief: Tweaking RNA protects cells from harmful inflammation
New research has helped explain what goes wrong in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a rare brain disorder. Patients with the disease have genetic abnormalities that may put their cells at risk of accidentally triggering an antiviral response.
In brief: Mutation explains why some people are more vulnerable to viral brain infection
Scientists identified mutations in a single gene that impair immunity to viruses in a region of the brain called the brain stem.
Günter Blobel, a Nobel laureate who redefined cell biology, has died
Günter Blobel, a Nobel Prize-winning Rockefeller biologist who discovered the mechanisms by which proteins are targeted for delivery to specific locations within cells, died February 18 at 81.
Scientists shed light on biological roots of individuality
A new study illuminates the biology that guides behavior across different stages of life in worms, and suggests how variations in specific neuromodulators in the developing nervous system may lead to occasional variations.
In brief: New molecular insights on a rare immune disorder
After figuring out the functions of two proteins involved in the rare genetic condition ICF, scientists pieced together the molecular process that is altered in the disease.
New images reveal how the ear’s sensory hairs take shape
Our ability to hear relies on tiny bundles of hair-like sensors inside the inner ear. Scientists have identified a key component of the machinery that makes these bundles grow in an orderly fashion.
New tool for tracking “kiss-and-run” communication between cells could advance research in multiple fields
Virtually all aspects of life and disease depend of brief exchanges between cells. A new technique to study cell-to-cell contacts lets interacting cells “smear” one another with the biological equivalent of lipstick.
Uncovering the early origins of Huntington’s disease
The symptoms of Huntington’s typically appear in middle age, but the disease may in fact originate much earlier. New research shows that a patient’s neural abnormalities may arise already during embryonic development—suggesting that treating the disease early may be beneficial.
New immunotherapy approach boosts body’s ability to destroy cancer cells
A new treatment may help cancer patients who don't respond to traditional immunotherapy. Findings from the first-ever clinical trial reveal that it is effective in activating immune cells that kill cancer cells.
In brief: Variation between strains may account for differences in people’s vulnerability to infection
New research shows that subtle differences between bacterial strains may cause dramatic differences in outcome between people infected with the same microbe.
In brief: How the immune system curbs its own mistakes
Researchers discovered how apoptosis keeps potential cancer-causing mutations in check.
Proof of principle: Tri-I TDI drug candidates “graduate” to next phase of development
As inaugural Sanders Director Dr. Michael Foley is set to depart the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute later this year, two projects from a portfolio of 57 that the Tri-I TDI has supported are now ready for the next phase of therapeutic development—a phase intended to lead to inv...
3D imaging of fat reveals potential targets for new obesity treatments
With new imaging methods, scientists hope to make significant progress in the fight against obesity. A new report reveals striking images of neural projections within fat tissue, and clues for the development of new drugs.
In brief: Immune cells surveil intestine to prevent infections
Scientists found that immune cells called intraepithelial lymphocytes act as a surveillance force at the intestine, helping to generate an appropriate immune response to both friendly bacteria and dangerous pathogens.
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