News

Serendipity and Synapses: How a part-time job unlocked a passion for brain-mapping  

Shanahan Foundation Fellow Sven Dorkenwald, Ph.D., opens up about how he began investigating the connections between neurons in the brain, and the path that brought him to playing a key role in one of the most ambitious neurology experiments ever attempted. In this profile he talks about how the fellowship at the Allen Institute has given him the freedom to pursue unique research avenues while connecting him with mentors who have helped to launch his academic career.

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World’s first patient treated with personalized CRISPR gene editing therapy through CHOP and Penn Med collaboration 

A collaboration between Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania has led to a child who was born with a rare metabolic disease becoming the first patient to be successfully treated using individually customized CRISPR-based gene editing therapy. This historic breakthrough may pave the way for gene editing technology to be adapted to treat more individuals with rare genetic diseases.

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Independent Media Initiative Announces IMI Fest 2025 

IMI Fest brings together independent media creators, educators, and industry professionals for a two-day celebration of creativity, discovery, and innovation. The event will also feature the presentation of the 2025 IMI Awards, honoring six of the most innovative creators in independent media. This year’s fest will be held November 14-15 in Austin, Texas.

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Archive

NeuroAI in France!

Ryan Raut, a graduating Shanahan Foundation Fellow at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience, joined a cohort of neuroscience PhD students from around the US on a trip to France to visit labs and connect with scientists working in NeuroAI. The visits are part of the Embassy of France in the United States’ French-American Doctoral Exchange Program and are supported by the Allen Institute and the NSF’s Accelnet program. READ MORE

Science Misinformation, Its Origins and Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies Examined in New Report 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released a report on science misinformation, providing advice to scientific institutions and communicators on how to mitigate its spread. The committee behind the study also called for further research into misinformation beyond its impact on individuals, to understand how it can be addressed by systems at the community and societal levels. READ MORE

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA) invests $10M in Alamar Biosciences, Inc. to Advance Precision Medicine in Alzheimer’s Disease 

ADDF’s Diagnostic’s Accelerator has made its largest investment to date, investing $10M in Alamar Biosciences, Inc. The investment supports development of Alamar’s ARGO DX platform, which combines ultra-high sensitivity blood testing with the ability to test for multiple targets at once. The goal is to create a scalable and accessible blood panel to test for biomarkers of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. READ MORE

Golf for Good 

The Cobbs Creek Foundation is working to restore the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, known for being one of the first public courses open to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. The project includes rehabilitating nearby wetland and forest habitat and a new STEM Learning Lab funded by Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation. READ MORE

ADDF Marks Tenth Anniversary of Melvin R. Goodes Prize

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation held its 10th annual Goodes Prize for Excellence in Drug Development from September 8-10 in Stockholm Sweden. In addition to honoring this year’s winner, the event featured lectures highlighting the research achievements of past honorees. READ MORE

Wendy Connors Named Hertz Foundation President, Succeeding Robbee Kosak

On January 1, 2025, Wendy Connors will begin serving as President of the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, which provides fellowships, opportunities to connect, and other support to graduate students in science and technology. She was appointed by the board of directors to replace Robbee Baker Kosak who will retire after nearly ten years as president.  READ MORE

Science Philanthropy Alliance

Science philanthropy is transforming the world of research and propelling tomorrow’s innovations. In its inaugural Science Philanthropy Indicators Report, the Science Philanthropy Alliance explores National Science Foundation data through a philanthropic lens to illuminate the vital role of science philanthropy in funding basic research. READ MORE