The Lundquist Institute

03/27/2026

How much sleep do we really need for better health and could it play a role in reducing diabetes risk?

A recent Everyday Health article, featuring TLI Investigator Peter Y. Liu, MD, PhD, highlights emerging research showing that getting just over 7 hours of sleep per night may be associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

"Insufficient sleep alters hormones that are important signals regulating metabolism and energy balance,” says Dr. Liu. "Maintaining cardiometabolic health through sufficient sleep contributes to longevity."

New research suggests that just over 7 hours of nightly sleep is ideal for preventing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

03/26/2026

The future of biomedical innovation is taking shape right here at The Lundquist Institute.🔬🧬

In his recent State of the Institute address, President and CEO Joe W. Ramos, PhD unveiled a bold new framework designed to accelerate discovery, strengthen collaboration, and move science from the lab to real-world impact faster than ever before.

At the center of this vision: four newly launched Innovation Hubs and a strengthened Scientific Leadership team—each aligned around the most pressing health challenges facing our communities today.

From advancing next-generation therapies and precision prevention to expanding population health and tackling infectious diseases, these Innovation Hubs are designed to bring investigators together, foster deeper collaboration, and turn promising ideas into meaningful health outcomes.

What does this mean for the future of medical research in Los Angeles and beyond? Read more to discover how TLI is building the engine for the next era of impact: bit.ly/4spNfjn

03/09/2026

Apply now to TLI's High School Summer Training in Advanced Research (High School STAR) Program! Applications are due Monday, March 30th. 🔬🧬🧪

For 47 years, the program has continued to develop young scientific minds as they prepare to become the next generation of biomedical leaders through hands-on intensive research.

From June 15 to August 7, 2026, students will hone their scientific curiosity alongside distinguished TLI investigators as they cultivate a deeper understanding of translational biomedical research and its impact on the community.

For complete eligibility details and program requirements, visit: lundquist.org/high-school-summer-program/

03/08/2026

Women are not just part of the future of medicine—they’re leading it. This , we celebrate the women who are transforming the future of healthcare and medical research. 🩺🔬🩻

From laboratory bench to patient bedside, women scientists, clinicians, and innovators are driving discoveries that improve lives around the world. Their leadership, curiosity, and commitment to advancing science continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine.

At The Lundquist Institute, we are proud to work alongside remarkable women who are leading groundbreaking studies and translating discovery into real-world health solutions. Across fields ranging from cancer and infectious diseases to genomics, cardiology, and public health, their work is helping turn scientific breakthroughs into better care for patients everywhere.

Today and every day, we’re proud of the women whose research, leadership, and dedication at TLI are shaping a healthier future for our communities and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

03/06/2026

Scoops, smiles, and a well-deserved break.🍦

We recently hosted a TLI Employee Appreciation Ice Cream Social to celebrate the incredible people who power our mission every day. It was a chance to step away from the busy day, connect with colleagues, and enjoy something sweet together.

Thank you to our amazing team for all that you do!

03/03/2026

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers, in part because tumors create a hostile environment that keeps the immune system from doing its job. But researchers have identified a promising immunotherapy strategy that could change that — activating a key immune molecule called GITR, strengthening the body’s own cancer-fighting cells.

“Discoveries like the GITR pathway give me real hope. We’ve seen how powerful the immune system can be in other cancers — sometimes even clearing the disease entirely. Our goal is to help unlock that same potential for patients with pancreatic cancer,” said TLI Investigator Dr. Delphine Lee.

Read the full article below to learn about this breakthrough in immunotherapy.

Delphine J. Lee, MD, investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, and a team of researchers identified a new immunotherapy strategy that may help overcome one of the greatest challenges in treating pancreatic cancer: the tumor’s ability to suppress the body’s immune respon...

02/24/2026

We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Harriet S. Kaplan, a pioneering psychiatrist, cherished mentor, and former TLI investigator whose career helped shape compassionate, integrated patient care.

Throughout decades of service, Dr. Kaplan was more than a physician; she was a trailblazer, advocate, and leader whose wisdom and humanity touched colleagues, trainees, and patients alike. Her commitment to healing, teaching, and building community leaves an enduring mark on the generations she inspired.

We invite you to join us in remembering and celebrating her extraordinary life and lasting impact. Read the full tribute below.

Dr. Harriet Smith Kaplan, a pioneering psychiatrist, devoted physician, beloved mentor, and former TLI investigator, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026.

02/19/2026

Meet TLI investigator George A. Karpouzas, MD, whose latest research reveals a new method of identifying effective treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.

RA patients commonly use TNF-alpha inhibitors (TNFi), biologic drugs that reduce inflammation, only to learn the therapy may not work for them. A blood-based Molecular Signature Response Classifier (MSRC) test that utilizes expression of immune-related gene transcription signatures was developed and validated to predict whether a patient is likely to respond to treatment with a TNFi before it even begins.

Dr. Karpouzas and his team evaluated the performance and utility of the MSCR in hispanic patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They assessed performance characteristics of the test in this population, its adoption, and its ability to alter disease outcomes.🔬

“Specifically, we asked whether the MSRC test results alter physician prescription patterns and whether therapy informed by MSRC results improves physician and patient self-reported metrics of disease activity, physical function, and quality of life,” said Dr. Karpouzas.

Read more: http://bit.ly/4rYnG8u

02/13/2026

TLI Investigator Matthew Budoff, MD is interviewed by the The New York Times on the growing scientific interest around garlic supplements and their potential role in supporting heart health.🧄❤️

A nationally recognized leader in cardiovascular imaging and prevention, Dr. Budoff shared expert insight on how compounds found in garlic may influence cholesterol levels and arterial health. “I like to describe them as complementary to standard medical care,” said Dr. Budoff.

Through his research, Dr. Budoff and his team at The Lundquist Institute continues to help translate complex science into practical insights that empower patients, clinicians, and communities to make informed decisions about preventive heart care.

Learn more about the study: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623005254

Some claim to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. We asked experts if that’s true.

02/04/2026

The Lundquist Institute is proud to announce that TLI Investigator Denise Al Alam, PhD has been named a Fellow of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), a prestigious honor that recognizes sustained excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions to pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

This distinction reflects not only Dr. Al Alam's impactful research, but also a deep commitment to advancing respiratory health through collaboration, mentorship, and service to the scientific community.

We are proud to see her work recognized in helping shape the future of patient care and translational research.