ISB News

Aitchison Lab Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Jennifer Smith, senior research scientist in the John Aitchison Lab, was tagged to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. And because the Aitchison group studies ALS, Jennifer’s lab mates took the challenge, too. Jennifer offered this description of the work they are doing to create a blood test for early detection of ALS: ISB is developing a multi-component blood-based assay (blood test) for early detection and disease tracking of ALS….

Tiniest Malfunctions in a Cell Can Cause Devastating Diseases

3 Bullets: ISB researchers are studying peroxisomes, which are cellular organelles that are linked to a rare syndrome that causes progressive organ complications and infant mortality. Peroxisomes have a role in metabolizing and breaking down cellular waste. Because peroxisomes easily change shape and function according to a cell’s needs, a systems approach is necessary to help decipher that complexity. By Dr. Thurston Herricks Dane Tolmie was a 19-month old boy…

K-12 Science Education: ISB Meets with Seattle Superintendent

One of ISB’s core beliefs is the importance of being fully engaged in how science is taught and learned at all levels – especially K-12. Our president, Dr. Lee Hood, has met with every Seattle Public Schools superintendent since 1994. Today, he met with current superintendent, Jose Banda, to discuss ISB’s ongoing partnership with the district. Superintendent Banda also toured ISB to speak with staff to learn about contemporary science…