Salk scientists achieve first safe repair of gene mutation in human embryos

Key enzyme found in plants could guide development of medicines and other products

Plants can do many amazing things. Among their talents, they can manufacture compounds that help them repel pests, attract pollinators, cure infections and protect themselves from excess temperatures, drought and other hazards in the environment. Researchers from the Salk Institute studying ... more

An ATM that dispenses antioxidants

One reason we're supposed to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is because they contain nutritious compounds called antioxidants. These molecules counteract the damage to our bodies from harmful products of normal cells called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Now, research led by ... more

Understanding how DNA is selectively tagged with 'do not use' marks

Not all of your genome needs to be active at any given time. Some regions are prone to hopping around the genome in problematic ways if left unchecked; others code for genes that need to be turned off in certain cells or at certain times. One way that cells keep these genetic elements under ... more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Dr. Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine, established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies more than 40 years ago. His goal was to create an institute that would serve as a "crucible for creativity" to pursue questions about the basic principles of life. He wanted biologists and ... more