News & HighlightsNews
Philanthropy 2.0 
Private investments are making it possible to reimagine 21st-century bioscience. Cori Bargmann envisions a future with opportunity for researchers everywhere.
Rockefeller leads an international ranking of research impact
According to this year’s CWTS Leiden Ranking of over 1300 universities from 69 countries, Rockefeller has the highest percentage of most frequently cited scientific publications.
A third vaccine dose may increase protection from Omicron
The booster appears to galvanize memory B cells into producing potent and versatile antibodies that neutralize both the original virus and its many variants.
Rockefeller tops international university ranking in measure of top cited publications
In the U-Multirank rating system for higher education institutions, Rockefeller placed first in a measure of impact based on citations.
40 young scientists receive Ph.D.s at Rockefeller’s 64th convocation
With this week’s ceremony, the first in-person convocation since the start of the pandemic, Rockefeller has granted doctor of philosophy degrees in bioscience to 1,395 students. In addition, Anthony S. Fauci, Katalin Karikó, and Lulu C. Wang received honorary doctor of science degrees.
How intricate patterns arise in developing tissues
In developing bird skin, immature cells move around and form intricate patterns. Scientists are zeroing in on the mechanical forces guiding the process.
Building a human ‘pangenome’ to capture global genomic diversity
The human reference genome, the most widely used resource in human genetics, is getting a major update.
Hundreds of new drug targets to combat tuberculosis
The study highlights genes that, when silenced, render Mycobacterium tuberculosis vulnerable to antibiotics, and identifies existing drugs that may be effective against one prominent strain.
One protein's surprising partnership with single-stranded DNA
Linker histone H1 appears capable of distinguishing between single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, suggesting that its role in maintaining our genomes extends far beyond that of keeping chromosomes compact.
A synthetic antibiotic may help turn the tide against drug-resistant bacteria
The compound attacks MRSA, C. diff, and several other deadly pathogens. Its discovery demonstrates the power of combining computational biology, genetic sequencing, and synthetic chemistry to study bacterial evolution.
The genetic underpinnings of severe staph infections
A mutated gene may explain why some Staphylococcus aureus infections turn lethal, a finding with significant implications for people living with 5p- syndrome.
Titia de Lange elected to the Royal Society
She receives the honor for elucidating mechanisms of telomere protection and genome maintenance.
Antibody therapy controls HIV for months in new clinical trial
Unlike conventional antiretroviral drugs, treatment with broadly neutralizing antibodies does not rely on vigilant daily dosing and could potentially reduce the body’s reservoir of latent viruses.
Shixin Liu, expert in single-molecule studies of biological machines, is promoted to associate professor
Liu’s pioneering research on nano-scale molecular events is furthering our knowledge of how DNA replication and gene expression are regulated.
Kivanç Birsoy, expert on cancer cell metabolism, is promoted to associate professor 
Birsoy's groundbreaking research has highlighted key nutrients that cancer cells need to survive, while shedding light on debilitating mitochondrial diseases and rare genetic disorders.
Richard P. Lifton to be honored with 2023 Kober Medal
Lifton, who pioneered the use of genomics to identify the basis for diseases, is recognized for a lifetime of contributions in science and mentorship.
How a narrow-spectrum antibiotic takes aim at C. diff
A new study reveals how the drug fidaxomicin selectively targets a dangerous pathogen without causing harm to beneficial bacteria. The findings could inform the development of new narrow-spectrum antibiotics for treating other types of infection.
The human genome is, at long last, complete
Even after 20 years of upgrades, eight percent of the human genome was still left unsequenced and unstudied. Until now.
The Board of Trustees has eight new members
With a breadth and depth of experience across academia, the pharmaceutical industry, technology, healthcare, and the financial sector, this latest cohort of trustees brings new skill sets and perspectives to the community.
How bacteria "self-vaccinate" against viral invaders
In studying how bacteria respond to viral infection, scientists are learning that their defense strategies cooperate in ways reminiscent of the elaborate immune systems of animals.
Social psychologist Jennifer L. Eberhardt to be awarded the 2022 Lewis Thomas Prize
The author of Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do will be presented with Rockefeller’s prestigious science writing award on April 7.
Rockefeller president Richard P. Lifton releases statement on Russian invasion of Ukraine
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Rockefeller University President Richard P. Lifton today released the following statement: The Rockefeller University is a vibrant, international community. Our scientists, students, and staff come from all over the world, inclu...
Rockefeller Nobelists co-sign open letter condemning Ukraine invasion
Read the letter signed by 168 Nobel Prize winners, including five Rockefeller scientists.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus receives LEED gold certification
One of only a handful of laboratory settings in New York City to receive the designation, the new river campus is recognized for its numerous energy efficient features.
Scientists discover new mechanism involved in learning and memory
FMRP, a protein whose loss causes intellectual disability, may regulate a neuron's synaptic response by establishing a feedback loop between the cell's nucleus and its faraway dendrites.
Insights into a cystic fibrosis treatment may herald a novel class of drugs 
Protein folding diseases, from Alzheimer's to Gaucher's, may one day be treated by a unique class of protein corrector molecules that are already helping manage cystic fibrosis.  
IT upgrades bolster university’s defenses against cybercriminals
Rockefeller’s Information Security team has implemented one of the most substantial upgrades in its history. As backend protections are strengthened, community members also have a critical role to play.
New comprehensive map of the portal to the cell’s nucleus
The findings, which may have implications for a wide range of human diseases, suggest that nuclear pore complexes vary in structure and function even within a single nucleus.
A novel compound might defeat multidrug-resistant bacteria common in hospitals
Increasingly, hospitalized patients contract infections that evade current antibiotics including colistin, long used as a last treatment option. The discovery of a new colistin variant might make it possible to outmaneuver these pathogens.
Ashton Murray is named chief diversity officer
Murray will become Rockefeller’s inaugural chief diversity officer and vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion on January 10.
Waddling water bears, grandmother neurons, and other memorable science stories of 2021
This year's scientific endeavors included multiple attacks on SARS-CoV-2—and a lot more. Here are the most memorable science stories to come out of Rockefeller labs in 2021, from the benefits of brown fat to the pitfalls of modern IVF screening techniques.
Sid Strickland will step down from role of dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies
After 21 years, Sidney Strickland will exit his administrative role, returning full time to his laboratory research at Rockefeller.
New evidence that boosters may be crucial in protecting against Omicron
Researchers found that the antibodies present in people who have had COVID or taken two doses of mRNA vaccine are inadequate against Omicron. But their protective ability increases significantly after a booster dose.
How a fly's brain calculates its position in space
New research reveals how neurons in a fly's brain signal the direction in which the body is traveling. The cells appear to literally perform vector math in order to act as a biological compass.
Llama antibodies could help fight SARS-CoV-2 variants
Scientists have identified hundreds of llama-derived antibodies that potentially could be developed into a COVID treatment. They hope such a drug would be potent against different variants of the coronavirus, including Omicron.
How cells feel their way 
A single cell has no nerves, yet it can feel and respond to mechanical forces such as pressure. Armed with new technologies, scientists are making headway in understanding how this sensory system operates.
Stem cell memories may drive wound repair—and chronic disease
Epidermal stem cells that hail from the hair follicle retain memories of their journey to the skin's surface. Those memories are a boon for wound repair, but may also contribute to chronic diseases and cancer.
New design may boost potency of monoclonal antibodies against COVID
In animal experiments, the structurally altered antibodies activated the immune system more effectively than those currently used in the clinic. They also proved to be more protective against the virus.
A new interdisciplinary center, devoted to the neuroscience of social behavior, has been launched with a $25 million gift
A major gift from Michael and Vikki Price marks the launch of an integrated effort to map and analyze the biological underpinnings of sociality and in turn better understand related disorders such as autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
Radiotherapy may explain why childhood cancer survivors often develop metabolic disease
Radiation therapy to treat childhood cancer may damage adipose tissue, causing diabetes and coronary heart disease decades later.
Scientists discover how mitochondria import antioxidants
The finding offers researchers a direct way to investigate oxidative stress and its damaging effects in aging, cancer and other diseases.
How mice miss the exit 
Thanks to the existence of forgetful mice, scientists have gained clues into the process by which the brain forms short-term memories. They were even able to restore a mouse’s memory by genetic manipulation.
How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system
Prior infections appear to shield enteric neurons, preventing these key components of the body's "second brain" from dying off when future pathogens strike.
Dopamine’s many roles, explained
Studying fruit flies, researchers ask how a single brain chemical can orchestrate diverse functions such as learning, motivation and movement.
Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Ida tests flood control measures installed in 2012
The September storm brought record rainfall which quickly overwhelmed drainage systems on campus and throughout the city. But the event did not cause widespread damage on campus thanks to improvements made nine years ago.
This fly likes its fruit fresh 
Farmers have a new enemy, a species of fruit fly that lays eggs in ripe produce. To help curtail the problem, scientists are getting to the bottom of how this trait arose in the course of evolution.
Three Rockefeller researchers are elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Mary E. Hatten, Charles M. Rice, and Leslie B. Vosshall are three of 100 new members elected to the academy today.
Noninfectious versions of SARS-CoV-2 provide powerful research tools
The new experimental system will facilitate efforts to study different coronavirus variants and develop new drugs for
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    • A mission to end metastasis 
    Not all cancer cells are killers. One lab is focusing its energy on only those that enable tumors to spread—and it may have found their kryptonite.
    Small molecule may prevent metastasis in colorectal cancer

    The compound works by hindering a key pathway that cancer cells rely upon to hoard energy, and is already undergoing clinical trials.

    Study detects origins of Huntington's disease in two-week-old human embryos
    The findings shed new light on the root causes of this disease, which leads to the degeneration of neurons in midlife.
    Seth A. Darst honored with Gregori Aminoff Prize
    Darst receives the honor for pioneering research on RNA polymerase, the molecular machine that transcribes RNA from DNA. His work is leading to new knowledge about the transcription process, as well as to insights enabling development of urgent antibiotic and antiviral treatments.
    Katalin Karikó named the 2022 recipient of the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize
    Katalin Karikó discovered how to keep synthetic RNA from activating the innate immune system, paving the way for RNA vaccines including two for SARS-CoV-2.
    Novel method for trapping HIV inside its host may give rise to new antivirals
    Human cells can be coaxed into preventing certain enveloped viruses (including HIV, Ebola, and parainfluenza) from escaping their membranes in the lab, a finding that could lead to novel treatments for many viral diseases.
    Linker histones tune the length and shape of chromosomes
    A new study finds that proteins known as linker histones control the complex coiling process that determines whether DNA will wind into long and thin chromosomes, made up of many small loops, or short and thick chromosomes with fewer large loops.
    Hospital hallway installation honors 11 women scientists at Rockefeller
    Uncovering the chemical composition of histones and innovating addiction treatment are only two of the accomplishments of the women scientists featured in a new photographic display.
    A refurbished pharmacy supports research trials at Rockefeller
    A new pharmacy with clean room and other features makes it possible for pharmacists to prepare highly specialized compounds and sterile injectable drugs for use in clinical research.
    Three Rockefeller researchers are named HHMI investigators
    Daniel Kronauer, who studies evolution in insect societies, Daniel Mucida, who examines mucosal immunology, and Vanessa Ruta, who investigates neural circuits that underlie innate and learned behaviors, are among 33 scientists nationwide to receive this designation.
    Rockefeller leads global university ranking in measure of top cited publications
    An international ranking of research institutions by U-Multirank placed Rockefeller first in a measure of its impact based on citations.
    Rockefeller postdoc, Luka Mesin, named a Blavatnik Regional Award Finalist
    Mesin, a member of the Victora Lab, receives the honor for developing novel techniques to better understand how B cells in the immune system mature and evolve to create antibodies to fight off pathogens.
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