DISCOVERIES January 2018

Dear colleagues and friends, This issue of Discoveries features new findings about a possible cause of inflammatory bowel disease, the cellular origins of brain disorders and how muscles cope with aging and injury.  We’re also excited to introduce SBP Insights, a new panel-driven speaker series that joins SBP scientists with clinicians and patients to discuss the latest research and treatments for specific diseases. Our inaugural event, taking place on March 15, will focus on prostate cancer, which affects approximately 1 in 9 men. Finally, SBP scientists published nearly one scientific paper per day in 2017. We invite you to look back at the most impactful SBP discoveries from this past year and we look forward to sharing more great research with you in 2018. Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D. President Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair

Mild food poisoning may not be so harmless Food poisoning may be the unwanted gift that keeps on giving—at least according to a new study by Jamey Marth, Ph.D. A past history of bacterial infections, such as salmonella food poisoning, can ultimately lead to chronic inflammation and life-threatening colitis. The research may also identify the long-mysterious cause of inflammatory bowel disease. Read more >>

Mapping the origins of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia and other brain disorders By analyzing brain cells one at a time, researchers are able to narrow down and rank the cell types that carry the most genetic risk for developing brain disorders. Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., co-authored a study advancing the technology used to map the cell origins of various brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Read more >>

How your muscle stem cells cope with injury and aging Adult muscle stem cells are essential for repairing and regenerating muscle throughout life. New research from Alessandra Sacco, Ph.D., describes the biological differences behind how muscle stem cells respond to aging compared to a sudden injury. The findings have implications for future therapies to help seniors maintain muscle mass and strength and for patients with muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy. Read more >>

Year in review: Top stories in 2017 We are proud of the more than 300 scientific papers published by SBP scientists in 2017. Whether you are seeing them for the first time or coming back for another look, check out last year’s most widely read stories about SBP discoveries. Read more >>

EVENTS

SBP Insights: Prostate Cancer Thursday, March 15 Join us for an exciting new speaker series where you can learn about the latest in medical research and future treatments. March 15th kicks off the series with a patient-doctor-scientist panel discussing prostate cancer. Learn more >>

Bring It! Thursday, April 19 You’re invited to SBP’s annual game-show fundraiser to support ground-breaking biomedical research. Space-age attire encouraged! Register today. Learn more >>

PHILANTHROPY

Catalyst Club Join a special community of SBP supporters by enrolling in our new monthly giving club. As a member, you will receive a special black SBP Catalyst Club tote bag, perfect for your everyday needs. Learn more >>

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