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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory


Does your immune system learn like AI?

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory used machine learning concepts to study the immune system's learning process, finding that the system achieves negative selection through generalization. This process allows for the correct deletion of self-reactive T cells despite encountering only a small fraction of the body's self-peptides.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2026

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Northwell Health lead international cohort of researchers to develop more than 150 next-generation cancer treatment models

The Human Cancer Model Initiative released a compendium of more than 150 organoid models of 25 types of cancer, which are now available to scientists worldwide. These patient-derived organoids provide state-of-the-art research tools for accelerating discovery and developing personalized treatment strategies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2026

A secret weapon against superbugs

Researchers have developed a new approach to combat superbugs by partnering existing antibiotics with molecular compounds called adjuvants. Using this method, they successfully restored the activity of vancomycin against drug-resistant E. faecium, a potentially life-threatening infection.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2026

How our biological clock starts and keeps ticking

A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified a unique biological clock mechanism in the worm C. elegans, comprising two previously known proteins MYRF-1 and LIN-42. This feedback circuit governs the timing of gene expression pulses, crucial for proper developmental progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2026

Dehydration’s role in learning and memory

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered how dehydration enables calcium to pass through the NMDAR channel, revealing key molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This finding has implications for brain development and disease, including GRIN disorders that cause severe developmental disabilities.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2026

A new theory of brain development

Researchers suggest that cells descend from the same progenitor tend to remain near one another, forming a lineage-based mechanism to convey positional information. This theory could have far-reaching implications for biology and artificial intelligence, potentially solving fundamental mysteries of the mind.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateMar 2, 2026

Let’s get on pancreatic cancer’s nerves

Scientists found that tumor-promoting fibroblasts attract nerve fibers through a vicious cycle of signaling and neurotransmitter release. This cycle promotes pre-cancerous growth and pulls in more nerve fibers, leading to a self-reinforcing loop. Disrupting this cycle may lead to new therapies for pancreatic cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 9, 2026

Short-circuiting pancreatic cancer

Researchers have discovered a complex regulatory circuit involving SRSF1, AURKA, and MYC that promotes aggressive pancreatic cancer progression. The circuit, which involves alternative splicing, can be targeted with an antisense oligonucleotide to reduce tumor cells' viability and trigger apoptosis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 8, 2026

Gut health à la CAR T

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a new approach to stimulate cell growth and repair in the intestine using CAR T-cell therapy. This therapy has shown promising results in improving gut health in both young and old mice, with significant reductions in inflammation and improved nutrient absorption.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 11, 2025

AI offers ‘roadmap’ to plant genetics

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed an AI-powered approach to identify redundant genes in plants. By analyzing evolutionary data and machine learning models, they predicted which genes to edit to modify specific traits, providing a new 'roadmap' for plant breeders.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 8, 2025

Singing mice speak volumes

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are studying Alston's singing mice to better comprehend the evolutionary origins of vocal communication. The research may also hold clues for understanding strokes, autism, and other speech-related disorders. The study found that singing mice use a common brain region for both singing and ult...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 1, 2025

Dicer: Life's ancient repair tool

A team of scientists has found that Dicer, an ancient protein, plays a vital role in resolving conflicts between transcription and replication processes in the genome. Without Dicer, T-R collisions lead to DNA damage, mutations, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of Dicer in maintaining genome stability.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 28, 2025

The magnetic math of breast health

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a tool called MaGNet to analyze the branching structure of mouse mammary glands. The system enables precise comparison of stained images and quantifies data with ease, allowing for earlier detection of breast cancer and investigation into hormonal changes and treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalJournal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia·DateOct 2, 2025

Licensed to live

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have deciphered the first step in DNA replication, a process crucial for life. The study identifies over 100 proteins essential for this mechanism, which enables cells to duplicate genetic material efficiently.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 29, 2025

In nature’s math, freedoms are fundamental

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a unified theory for gauge freedoms in models of biological sequences, which could revolutionize fields like plant breeding and drug development. The new approach provides efficient formulas for scientists to interpret research results with greater confidence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 28, 2025

It’s not you—it’s cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a connection between the brain and immune system responsible for cachexia-related apathy. By targeting specific neurons and immune system proteins, they hope to improve cancer patients' quality of life and tolerance for treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2025

In pancreatic cancer, a race against time

Scientists have found a way to effectively 'intercept' pancreatic cancer by targeting the KRAS and FGFR2 genes. This approach slows tumor formation and reduces the number of 'early versions' of cancer in the pancreas. Researchers believe this therapy could be a game-changer for patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 2, 2025

A hearing aid for … your nose?

A new study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers explains how the brain updates associations between smells and sounds based on context. The findings suggest that a feedback loop between the olfactory cortex and olfactory bulb enables fast adaptation, allowing animals to fine-tune their motor responses accordingly.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2025

A speckle of hope for cancer patients

A new study by Katherine Alexander and Shelley Berger has found a possible source of variability in cancer treatment response in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The researchers identified two distinct patterns of nuclear speckles in kidney tumors, which may correlate with patient outcomes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 2, 2025

The next evolution of AI begins with ours

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a potential solution to the paradox of animal innate abilities using artificial intelligence. The genomic bottleneck algorithm allows for compression levels unseen in AI, enabling faster runtimes and potentially leading to more evolved AI systems.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2024

Putting out a brain on fire

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the rare autoimmune disease anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and blackouts. The study found that different antibodies bind to NMDA receptors in unique ways, suggesting personalized medicine may be key to treating the condition.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 17, 2024