The Jackson Laboratory

06/01/2026

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of medicine’s greatest challenges. Despite decades of research, there is still no cure, but at JAX, we are closer than we have ever been to changing that.

This Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re sharing how researchers at JAX are pioneering new approaches that aren’t possible anywhere else.

JAX scientists are studying Alzheimer’s in new ways and helping build the foundation for earlier diagnosis and more effective, personalized treatments in the future.

Join us throughout June as we spotlight work in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

https://go.jax.org/Alzheimers

05/30/2026

Did you know genetic cancer testing can guide prevention?

This >3-minute video, developed with JAX's Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative, explains how testing can inform screening, prevention, and care decisions (and how it differs from biomarker testing).

Learn more: jax.org/patients

05/28/2026

Twenty years after the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) transformed biomedical research, the field is entering a new era shaped by advances in cellular engineering, genetics, AI and regenerative medicine.

In this new article, scientists from the JAX-NYSCF Collaborative reflect on the breakthroughs that have defined the past two decades of stem cell science and the possibilities ahead.

As the stem cell community marks 20 years of iPSCs, the upcoming 20th annual JAX-NYSCF Conference this September will bring together many of the researchers and innovators helping shape the field’s future.

Read more about the evolution of stem cell science and where it may lead next:

Scientists in the JAX-NYSCF Collaborative reflect on two decades of breakthroughs and the power of stem cells in driving a new frontier of translational science

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Jada Farias, recipient of the JAX Tunxis student scholarship, which supports engagement in STEM coursework. Jada, a student at Tunxis Community College, is preparing to attend Quinnipiac University as a biology major, and participated in JAX’s Virtual Cancer Genomics Summer Institute for Undergraduates. “Although I had not previously considered genomics, I was eager to study it,” she said. “Through the course, I learned how genomic technologies are used to combat cancer and engaged directly with scientists in the field.” Motivated to continue, she then enrolled in JAX’s Biomedical Data Science in Context course, and is passionate about advancing research to improve patient health and well-being.

Learn more about JAX's programs for high school and undergraduate students and teachers: https://www.jax.org/education-and-learning/high-school-students-and-undergraduates

Photo: Jada Farias (right) and her mother.

05/19/2026

Clinical trials aren’t just for advanced cancers.

JAX's Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative is working to improve clinical trial access for people with all types of cancer, especially for those in rural communities.

See what most people don't know about clinical trials: https://youtu.be/sZX64u2XSlg

Then visit jax.org/mcgi to learn more.

Why consider participating in a clinical trial?More information for finding a clinical trial, discussing with your doctor, or other cancer resources ➤ www.ja...

05/14/2026

A major step for genetic medicine and the rare disease community: successful application of base editing to repair DNA in a rare, incurable, and potentially deadly form of childhood epilepsy.

Scientists at The JAX Rare Disease Translational Center, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and UMass Chan Medical School used base gene editing to repair a DNA error in mice that causes Dravet syndrome.

After the edit, the mice had far fewer seizures and lived much longer.

The research was published today in Science Translational Medicine.

It’s the latest breakthrough from a collaboration advancing gene editing toward real-world treatments for rare diseases.

05/12/2026

We’re thrilled to partner with The Jackson Laboratory Rare Disease Translational Center to present new data about dosage sensitivity for a gene therapy for PURA Syndrome. If you’re here, come say hi! If you’re interested in learning more, head to the link below to check out our press release.💞⁠

https://jackstomorrow.org/asgct-2026

05/11/2026

This featured image from the O'Connell Lab at JAX reveals molecular maps of mouse brain tissue generated with spatial transcriptomics—a technology that shows where genes are active within intact tissue. Each color represents a distinct cellular neighborhood shaped by unique genetic activity.

By mapping these neighborhoods across healthy, aging, and diseased brains, JAX researchers are uncovering how Alzheimer’s disease spreads through critical brain regions involved in memory and cognition.

Get the full story: https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/2026/may/mapping-cellular-neighborhoods-in-a-mouse-brain

05/06/2026

JAX's Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) has partnered with Bayhealth Cancer Institute and N-Power Medicine, Inc. to support more community oncologists with genomic interpretation expertise, bringing advanced cancer care close to home for more patients.

The collaboration supports more informed cancer treatment decisions and expands access to clinical trials and other research opportunities for Bayhealth patients.

Read more:

Integrating expert genomic interpretation with a prospective, point-of care data platform to improve treatment decisions and expand access to clinical research

05/04/2026

May 4, 1929 (97 years ago!) in Bar Harbor, Maine, The Jackson Laboratory was born. It entered the world focused on community and support, where ideas could be explored with grit, determination, and an open-minded, innovative spirit - values still held today in the pursuit of advancing human health. 🎂🧬🎉

Image: Summer students, class of 1943.