Huntington Medical Research Institutes

02/11/2026

🧠✨ Upcoming HMRI Scientific Lecture

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Luis de la Torre-Ubieta, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA for a talk on: “Insights of Molecular Mechanisms of Cortical Development and Down Syndrome Through Single-cell Multi-omics.”

His lab uses powerful tools like single-cell multi-omics and long-read sequencing to better understand how the human brain develops—and what changes in these processes may contribute to Down syndrome and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Join us in-person or virtually via Zoom! 🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4clxk07

02/09/2026

What if some proteins don’t have just one shape—but many?

In this short excerpt from a recent HMRI lecture, Dr. Tsui-Fen Chou (Caltech) explores “shape-shifting” proteins that challenge one of biology’s most basic assumptions.

A key focus is HINT1, a protein that acts as quality control for our cells—catching molecular mistakes before they cause harm. When that process breaks down, it can affect nerve function, cancer risk, and even behavior.

This clip only scratches the surface.

The full lecture connects the chemistry, the technology, and the real-world health implications.

▶️ Watch the full lecture here: https://hmri.org/past-events

02/02/2026

We’re thrilled to see Dr. Nicole Purcell representing us at the Bugher Foundation Collaborative Symposium in New Orleans — a platform where leading minds in brain and cognitive health come together to share, connect, and push research forward.
Huge thanks to the Bugher Foundation and the American Heart Association for supporting this spirit of collaboration. Stay tuned for photos and updates! 📷❤️

01/30/2026

🧬 Up Next: Proteomic Approaches to Reveal New Functions of Metamorphic Proteins HINT1 and ATG101

Join HMRI on February 4 at 3 PM for a scientific lecture featuring Dr. Tsui-Fen Chou, Research Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech

Discover how powerful protein-analysis tools help scientists uncover new roles for proteins that can change shape—and why that matters for understanding health and disease.

Join us in-person or virtually via Zoom! 🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4kfl6IC

01/23/2026

✨Stepping into 2026 at HMRI with purpose, curiosity, and impact.

Our January newsletter highlights:
• A video message from HMRI leadership on the year ahead
• Community STEM engagement with Pasadena Unified School District
• New publications and talks from HMRI faculty and researchers
• Applications for our education programs
• Upcoming scientific lectures featuring researchers from HMRI, Caltech UCLA

🔗 Read the full newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3ZvWuBy

HMRI’s January 2026 update highlights new research publications, education opportunities, faculty achievements, and upcoming scientific lectures.

01/16/2026

❤️🧠 What can the heart tell us about the brain?

On January 28 from 3-4pm, HMRI - Huntington Medical Research Institutes will host a scientific lecture by HMRI Assistant Professor Xianghong Arakaki, MD, PhD, exploring how brain waves and heart waves are connected and what those signals may reveal about early Alzheimer’s disease and migraine. Dr. Arakaki’s work highlights how subtle physiological changes could offer new insights into cognitive function before disease symptoms appear.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues, students, and community members for an evening of discovery and discussion.

Join us in-person or virtually via Zoom! 🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/49Ltyuf

01/12/2026

As students start planning for summer, we wanted to share a reminder about upcoming application deadlines for HMRI’s 2026 education programs:

Undergraduate SURF + AHA-SURE Fellowships
A full-time summer research experience working alongside HMRI scientists
Deadline: March 6
https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/m72p1xs04culnh/

High School STEM Program
Six weeks of hands-on learning for rising juniors and seniors in Pasadena Unified
Deadline: March 13
https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/mcu56i41ghwgsv/

Paid TA Positions
Support teaching and mentoring in the High School STEM Program
Deadline: March 27
https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/m16i87co0mbqorp/
Please feel free to share with students, families, and educators who may be interested.

Learn about all our education programs at: https://hmri.org/Our-Education-Programs

12/23/2025

As we head into the holidays, we want to say thank you. 💙

Your support makes it possible for HMRI scientists, students, and staff to keep pushing discovery forward. Take a moment to join us inside the lab for a short holiday thank-you from all of us at HMRI.

From our HMRI family to yours, happy holidays and best wishes for a healthy New Year. ✨

12/18/2025

🔬 70 years of discovery. Impact that reaches beyond the lab.

🔗 MAKE YOUR YEAR-END GIFT TODAY. Visit https://bit.ly/HMRI-Fall2025

12/15/2025

HMRI’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) and American Heart Association SURE programs give students the opportunity to spend the summer immersed in biomedical research.

Undergraduates work alongside HMRI scientists, gaining hands-on lab experience, mentorship, and exposure to real research questions in heart, brain, and data-driven health science. The program concludes with a student research symposium where fellows present their work.

Applications are due March 6, 2026.

Learn more and apply here:
https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/m72p1xs04culnh/

Please share with students who may be exploring research or medical careers.

Nicole Purcell

12/08/2025

HMRI is now accepting applications for our 2026 summer education programs!

These programs offer students the chance to learn science by doing science—working alongside researchers in Pasadena on real biomedical projects.

Summer Undergraduate Fellowships — SURF + AHA-SURE
Full-time summer research experience.
Apply by March 6: https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/m72p1xs04culnh/

High School STEM Program
For rising juniors/seniors in Pasadena Unified.
Apply by March 13: https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/mcu56i41ghwgsv/

Paid TA Positions
Support teaching and mentoring in the STEM Program.
Apply by March 27: https://hmriorg.wufoo.com/forms/m16i87co0mbqorp/

Please share with students, families, and teachers who may be interested.

12/02/2025

🎥 Meet Nathan Tran, a third year
University of California, Irvine student and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) student at HMRI.

🧪 This summer, Nathan joined Dr. Robert Kloner’s Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, working closely with James G. Boswell Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Rashid Alavi.

💻 Nathan is using his background in computer science to advance biomedical research by applying AI models to help uncover new insights in medicine. His work bridges technology and health, demonstrating how computational skills can accelerate scientific discovery and contribute to better patient outcomes.

💙 Today on Giving Tuesday, make your gift to support high school and college students like Nathan at HMRI: https://bit.ly/Give_2025