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A beacon for cutting-edge research

image of the Harbor Transcript Magazine logo Summer 2024 edition
We definitely want to keep a strong basic science environment. We need that in order to develop things later that could translate into therapeutic opportunities.”

image of Leemor Joshua-Tor
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Director of Research Leemor Joshua-Tor

Research highlights

In 2023, hundreds of scientists working in more than 60 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) research groups published their findings in the world’s major scientific journals. Their efforts reflect the full spectrum of CSHL’s programs in Cancer, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, Quantitative Biology, Genomics, and Chemistry. The following is a sampling of this year’s important findings.

image of mouse liver cells

Cancer’s multiple personalities

– Semir Beyaz

image of C. elegans worms

These worms have rhythm

– Christopher Hammell

image of glioblastoma patient brain MRI

Autism in the family tree

– Ivan Iossifov, Michael Wigler

illustration of RNA molecules in a cell

A secret weapon exposed

– Leemor Joshua-Tor

image of tumor cells with ASO5

From tragedy to triumph

– Adrian Krainer

image of Arabidopsis thaliana plant

Plants pass on memories

– Rob Martienssen, Leemor Joshua-Tor

image of a Artibeus jamaicensis bat in flight

Holy immunity, bat genomes!

– W. Richard McCombie, Adam Siepel

image of MRSA bacteria

Shape-shifting antibiotics

– John Moses

image of VTA neurons

The science of supermoms

– Stephen Shea

image of RMS cells transformed into muscle cells

Once sarcoma, now muscle

– Christopher Vakoc

Research area by funding

Faculty members

Faculty Awards

Practical applications of research

The Laboratory’s 130 years are rich with discoveries in biology and genetics that have had major impacts on society in human health, agricultural production, and the environment. Grounded in basic research, CSHL’s multi-disciplinary approach to cancer, neuroscience, genomics & quantitative biology, and plant biology continues to enhance our understanding of life.

The Office of Technology Transfer actively supports our scientists to partner with companies, investors and others in order to achieve this mission and make a positive impact on society. The Laboratory is engaged in technology transfer as one way of delivering important discoveries to the public.

Cancer

Understanding fundamental cellular processes that are the basis of life, and how they go wrong in cancer. Improving diagnosis and treatment of all major cancers: brain, breast, colon, leukemia, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate.

Neuroscience

Exploring the brain to identify the neural networks involved in sensory processing, cognition, and decision-making. Providing insight into disorders such as Alzheimer’s, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Genomics & Quantitative Biology

Using cutting-edge technology to read the genome of organisms, tumors, or even single cells. Creating innovative data analysis tools to develop disease diagnostics and therapeutics.

Plant Biology

Investigating the mechanisms of plant development and genetics. Improving crop yields, increasing biodiversity, and developing biofuels.

image of Asad Lakhani in the Flow Cytometry Lab
CSHL’s partnerships with venture capital firms like Autobahn Labs seek to transform our institution’s discovery research into viable spin-off companies. Here, former postdoc Asad Lakhani examines a sample in CSHL’s Flow Cytometry facility; Lakhani recently accepted a position at Autobahn Labs.