Video Library

An advanced imaging-based method from scientists at Scripps Research offers a new way of studying mitochondria, which are best known as the “powerhouses” of cells. In their report on February 14, 2023, in the Journal of Cell Biology, the scientists described a set of techniques that enables the imaging and quantification of even subtle structural changes inside mitochondria, and the correlation of those changes with other processes ongoing in cells.

Learning, memory and behavior depend on the continuous movement of valuable cellular components along axons, narrow nerve fibers through which neurons send signals to other neurons. But when this transport system fails, molecular traffic jams can cause neuronal damage associated with diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion disorders. In this Front Row lecture, Scripps Research associate professor Sandra Encalada shared how her lab is unraveling the cellular pathways that lead to the formation of toxic protein clumps seen at traffic jams inside brain cells undergoing neurodegeneration. Her breakthroughs are transforming the way scientists view brain health and identifying new molecules that could treat, and even reverse, complex neurological conditions.

Scientists at Scripps Research are working to develop universal vaccines capable of neutralizing many variants of a given virus. In recent years, they have made significant progress toward creating universal vaccines for influenza, HIV and coronavirus. In the third installment of our universal vaccine series, we hear from top scientists in the field about the latest developments in the effort to create universal vaccines for HIV, and the impact these elusive immunizations could have on the world. Professor William Schief and his team are focused on developing an effective HIV vaccine using a novel strategy: eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). bnAbs are a rare type of antibody that can fight and protect against many different variants of a virus. Researchers have long struggled to identify and induce the appropriate bnAbs for HIV vaccination, but Schief’s lab—in collaboration with many others at Scripps Research—is applying a variety of computation-guided and structure-based design techniques to overcome these historic hurdles.

Every organism depends on its ability to make cellular proteins from the core set of genetic blueprints—a process carried out in the cell by ancient biological factories. However, when this building process goes awry, various types of disease can take hold. In this opening lecture of the sixth season, Scripps Research professor and regular Front Row host Jamie Williamson unveiled his lab’s unprecedented exploration of these protein-building machines and the secrets they hold in maintaining cellular health. His cutting-edge research is evolving our view of molecular engineering and uncovering new drug targets for bacterial infections and cancer.