DISCOVERIES
January 2021
An “immune cop” that detects SARS-CoV-2 

Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., and his team have identified a sensor in human lungs that detects SARS-CoV-2 and signals that it’s time to mount an antiviral response. The study, published in Cell Reports, provides insights into the molecular basis of severe disease and may lead to new strategies to treat COVID-19.

Drug combination shows promise as powerful AML treatment

To the surprise of scientists, two drugs that are potent against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when combined, but only weakly effective when used alone, have been identified. The research, led by Peter Adams, Ph.D., and published in Nature Communications, may improve outcomes for people with the dangerous blood cancer.

A protein that prompts B cells to divide

B cell lymphoma is a type of blood cancer often treated with an intensive chemo and immunotherapy combination. New research described by Parham Ramezani-Rad, Ph.D., and published in Cell Reports, could lead to a more tailored medicine that is potentially less toxic and more effective.

PHILANTHROPY
Winners of the heartfelt Eric Dudl Scholarship Award honored

The legacy of Eric Dudl, a postdoctoral researcher who succumbed to cancer at age 33, lives on through the Eric Dudl Endowed Scholarship Award. Meet the exceptional postdoctoral researchers selected for the 2019 and 2020 awards, Jennifer Hope, Ph.D. (at left), and Archna Ravi, Ph.D. (at right), who are featured in the story and video below. “These talented scientists truly pick up where Eric had to leave off,” says Barbara Dudl, Eric’s mother.


OUR PEOPLE
Ze’ev Ronai named Cancer Center director

Renowned cancer researcher Ze’ev Ronai, Ph.D., has been named director of Sanford Burnham Prebys' National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center. Established in 1976, the Cancer Center is one of only seven NCI-designated Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers in the nation—a distinction that conveys scientific leadership, resources, and depth and breadth of basic science research. “With the exceptional scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys, there are limitless possibilities as to what we can accomplish together,” says Ronai.

What scientists know about COVID-19 and the brain

Brain fog. Memory loss. Dizziness and confusion. Although COVID-19 is primarily thought of as a lung disease, some survivors continue to report lingering and highly concerning neurological effects. We caught up with Anne Bang, Ph.D., who recently investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 infects brain cells, to learn what scientists know so far about COVID-19 and the brain.

Marathon tradition continues for Jerold Chun despite pandemic 

When the Honolulu Marathon went virtual last year, Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., knew skipping it wasn’t an option. He’s one of only two people who have run the race every year since 1973—the first year of the event—and this would be his 48th marathon to date. Read how he safely kept the tradition going this year despite the ongoing pandemic. Here he is pictured at the 2015 event.

PAST EVENTS
Learn how your diet can affect your health

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to eat healthy in 2021? At this "Insights" event, our researchers shared what they’re learning about diet and health, including how calories, fat and sugar really affect our health and longevity.

Can healthy aging prevent cancer?

Peter Adams, Ph.D., explains how he's shedding light on the biological links between aging and conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. This presentation was held in partnership with the Fleet Science Center.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Insights: How to fix a broken heart

Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is the most common type of problem with a heartbeat. Even when symptoms aren’t obvious, AFib can increase your risk of stroke and related heart problems. At this "Insights" lecture on Tuesday, February 23, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT, meet scientists and clinicians who are working together to heal "broken hearts."

COVID-19: The way forward, one year later

This March marks one year since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that upturned our lives. At this "Insights" event, our experts will share research revelations from the past year, the latest scientific updates, and strategies for the path forward. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 23, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT.

Padres Pedal the Cause goes virtual for 2021

Calling all cancer fighters! Padres Pedal the Cause is going virtual for 2021, and registration is now open. This annual event raises critical funds for local cancer research institutes. This year's virtual experience will take place on Saturday, May 8. Join the Sanford Burnham Prebys team, and help scientists put an end to cancer.

IN THE COMMUNITY
At Sanford Burnham Prebys, we're passionate about finding bold new ways to treat disease, and we recognize the importance of sharing our discoveries with the publicespecially during this unprecedented time. Find out where and when you can "meet" our scientists virtually and learn about their research in this community event calendar.
IN THE NEWS
Learn more about Peter Adams’ identification of a potential combination treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer.

Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., explains his recent discovery of an “immune cop” that detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

PHILANTHROPY
Please Donate
Double your COVID-19 donation

Only research will allow scientists to understand and stop COVID-19. We are hopeful that our work will emerge as part of the larger solution to this global health crisis, and we invite you to accelerate our progress and impact. If you donate today, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $500,000—thanks to the generosity of Dinah Conyers Ruch. 
Could you benefit from the CARES Act of 2020?

The CARES Act of 2020 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make transformative philanthropic gifts, with significant tax benefits to you and your family. Cash gifts to charities such as Sanford Burnham Prebys are deductible at 100% of adjusted gross income.