The lab of Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte and collaborators used gene editing to correct a disease-causing mutation in early stage human embryos for the first time. The technique, which uses the CRISPR-Cas9 system, repaired the mutation for a common heart condition at the earliest stage of embryonic development so that the defect would not be passed on to future generations. The work, which made global headlines, was also featured in an in-depth San Diego Union-Tribune profile about Izpisua Belmonte.

Scientists led by Clodagh O'Shea have for the first time provided an unprecedented view of the 3D structure of human chromatin-the combination of DNA and proteins-in the nucleus of living human cells. In the tour de force study, described in the journal  Science , the team identified a novel DNA dye that, when paired with advanced microscopy in a combined technology called ChromEMT, allows highly detailed visualization of chromatin structure in cells. By revealing nuclear chromatin structure in living cells, the work may help rewrite the textbook model of DNA organization and even change how we approach treatments for disease.

Looking for a unique background image for your computer, ipad or phone?  Salk and UC San Diego scientists identified neuron types predicted by epigenomic signatures. The image shows neuron populations expressing marker genes for specific neuron subtypes: Tle4 (red), Sulf1 (green) or both (yellow).