The opportunity to turn curiosity into discoveries that impact the human condition is at the core of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s mission. Our scientists are empowered to ask big questions and search for solutions to biology’s most challenging problems. Doing that requires interdisciplinary study, and the Laboratory’s brain-body physiology program encourages our scientists to confront today’s toughest health challenges from multiple fronts collectively. Understanding the connections between our minds and our bodies and their effect on physiological homeostasis has the potential to lead to revolutionary medical interventions that will enable us to remain healthy as we age.
In this issue of Harbor Transcript, we share CSHL’s latest research into brain-body connections relevant to aging, breast cancer, menopause, pregnancy, and more. Our cover story sheds light on important topics that remain understudied. It is well known that historical underrepresentation of research on women’s health has resulted in a limited understanding of how women experience disease and respond to treatment. Associate Professors Camila dos Santos and Jessica Tollkuhn exemplify researchers at Cold Spring Harbor working to change this dynamic.
Another highly misunderstood condition is autism spectrum disorder. With generous support from the Simons Foundation, Professors Michael Wigler and Ivan Iossifov have combined their expertise in molecular biology and computer science to explore large datasets of genetic variants associated with autism. By pinpointing and cataloging these variants, they’ve given medical professionals the tools to diagnose autism and provide potentially life-altering interventions sooner.
While CSHL scientists work diligently to understand complex brain-body interactions, we also function as a global hub for cutting-edge science, which is why our Meetings and Courses Program, Banbury Center, DNA Learning Center, and Center for Humanities are critical to the future of science. Education and discovery go hand in hand. Indeed, we have added new scientific meetings that focus on brain-body interactions, whole-organism physiology, and the aging processes.
No one better understood that connection than Jim Simons, honorary trustee, longtime supporter of the Laboratory, and husband to our Board of Trustees Chair, Marilyn Simons. Though we lost a dear friend this year, his life was a testament to the power of living in service to the community, and his legacy will live on through the programs and people he and Marilyn have touched. We are forever grateful for Jim’s transformational commitment.
We appreciate all those who have joined Cold Spring Harbor throughout the year at events, meetings, tours, or simply by visiting our website. Cold Spring Harbor is a unique place that brings together people who want to leave the world a little better than we found it, and we appreciate you taking this journey with us.
—Bruce Stillman, Ph.D.
“President’s Message”
Harbor Transcript, Volume 44, Issue 2
Written by: Communications Department | publicaffairs@cshl.edu | 516-367-8455