At the center of life science research and education for over 130 years. program and other educational offerings.
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We are organized into six divisions:
Research: Generates knowledge that will yield better diagnostics and treatments for cancer, neurological diseases, and other major diseases, and that will lead to improved and more diverse food resources and more efficient biofuels. School of Biological Sciences: Trains the next generation of scientists through an innovative Ph.D. Meetings and Courses: Bri
ngs together more than 11,000 scientists each year from around the world to present and evaluate new data and ideas in biological research. Banbury Center: Provides a crossroads where scientists discuss important topics in molecular biology, human genetics, and science policy, among others. DNA Learning Centers: Educates the public about genetics through the nation’s first science centers dedicated to this purpose. CSHL Press: Publishes invaluable materials for the worldwide scientific community and the public.
04/27/2026
We are only 3️⃣ days away from a stimulating conversation between CSHL President Bruce Stillman & CBS News anchor Lesley Stahl!
The Tilles Center in Brookville will be hosting these two as they discuss genetic inheritance and the latest discoveries in cancer research. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.tillescenter.org/event/bruce-stillman.
You won't want to miss it!
04/27/2026
What did the brain say to the face? And what can the face tell us about the brain?
In a new study in Nature Neuroscience, CSHL’s Helen Hou, Kyle Daruwalla, and Irene Nozal Martin introduce Cheese3D.
This innovative camera and computer vision system can track even the subtlest changes in mouse facial expression. Then, using AI, it measures those changes so scientists can methodically study and interpret them. Cheese3D has already been used to measure depth of anesthesia—how “awake” or “asleep” a mouse is—and it could have additional applications in studying brain development.
For example, Hou says, “facial movement is one of the first milestones of development. We can smile long before we can crawl or walk. So, how do we learn to move our faces socially?” The answers could have major implications for autism and behavioral therapy. https://www.cshl.edu/say-cheese3d-a-new-model-for-tracking-facial-expression/
04/24/2026
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center has launched the first-ever mobile-native bioinformatics toolkit. Imagine analyzing DNA sequences from dozens of animals or plants and mapping them out in a family tree, all with your phone. Imagine putting that power in your students' hands. That’s what DNA Subway 2.0 delivers.
Autism acceptance means action. Early intervention and adaptive environments make inclusion real.
Real talk with CSHL Assistant Professor Gabrielle Pouchelon—scientist and mom—on how early (the earlier the better) behavioral intervention can boost communication, build self-help skills, and do more for children with autism.
The Pouchelon lab is researching how environmental factors and molecular programs shape neural circuits during the brain's development, with the goal of informing future early interventions.
By linking neuroscience with evidence-based support, the Pouchelon team aims to improve behavioral outcomes and make life easier for those on the autism spectrum.
04/23/2026
At CSHL, advancing science also means protecting the world it depends on 🌎
For , we brought that mission to life across campus:
Beach Clean Up: As part of an annual tradition, CSHL students and staff banded together to remove debris from the on-campus shoreline. Year-round, visitors are encouraged to collect any trash using CSHL provided blue baskets.
Sustainability Update: Reducing waste and increasing recycling is a year-round priority at CSHL. This week, our facilities team shared progress on landscaping debris, construction materials, and e-waste. Check out our recycling totals!
Crop Improvement: CSHL plant biologist Professor David Jackson treated guests to a special presentation about how modern science is shaping healthier, more resilient crops. Does anyone know what plants David had on hand?
A big thank-you to everyone who makes CSHL a greener community!
04/23/2026
For Earth Day, we're sharing CSHL scientist Ullas Pedmale's Cocktails & Chromosomes talk, “No eyes, no brains, no problem.” Despite being stationary for their entire lives, plants have managed to evade danger and survive since prehistoric times. They are incredibly adaptive and incredibly essential to life on Earth. Pedmale explores the biology behind plant growth, how it affects us every day, and what we can learn from plants' survival instincts. Click the link (in our bio) to see his full video. https://www.cshl.edu/videos/no-eyes-no-brain-no-problem/
04/22/2026
Happy Earth Day! From the corn on our farm to the cells under our microscopes, the research happening every day at CSHL would not be possible without the transformative power of our planet.
04/21/2026
This Saturday (April 25) is National Go Birding Day 🐦
In honor of Earth Week and our fellow bird lovers, here’s a fun one:
A recent New Scientist article suggests birdwatching may help slow aging:
"Expert birdwatchers have changes in their brain structure compared with novices, which probably help them better identify birds and may even protect against age-related cognitive decline."
No binoculars? No problem.
We’re hoping these campus birds do the trick.
Enjoy these shots of the feathered residents of CSHL, captured by Nick Wurm.
Turns out, being a little bird-brained might be good for you 😉
Birds pictured in order of appearance:
Great Blue Heron
Swan
American Robin
Canadian Goose and Swan
Osprey
Red-breasted Merganser
Song Sparrow
Bald Eagle
Osprey
Great Egret
Mallard
04/21/2026
Happy World Creativity and Innovation Day! CSHL celebrates Dr. Robert Langer, one of the recipients of the 2025 Double Helix Medals, for his unyielding dedication to pushing the envelope in science, engineering, and medicine. Watch the video feature of the most-cited engineer in history here: https://www.cshl.edu/videos/double-helix-medalist-robert-langer/
04/20/2026
At CSHL, developmental neurobiologist Gabrielle Pouchelon, an Assistant Professor, and Postdoctoral Fellow Dimitri Dumontier are uncovering how brain development shapes autism spectrum disorder.
The Pouchelon lab studies Fragile X syndrome, the most common single-gene cause of autism and they have discovered something entirely new...
In early development, the brain builds temporary connections to wire itself. In Fragile X, those connections stick around when they shouldn’t, disrupting behavior and sensory processing.
The promise? Reset those connections, and you may be able to restore function.
In this clip, Gabrielle Pouchelon discusses her team’s discoveries publicly for the first time—and what they mean for autism.
This , one thing is clear: understanding development is key to changing outcomes. The National Fragile X Foundation, BioRxiv & MedRxiv
04/17/2026
CSHL's Professor Michael Wigler is a renowned molecular biologist who, together with his lab, have made pioneering contributions to how we understand the genetic basis of autism today.
One major contribution was identifying that some autism cases aren't passed down through families... they happen because of random "copy and paste" errors in DNA that affect brain development.
Specifically, Wigler's lab identified copy number variations (CNVs) as a significant cause of sporadic autism.
In his own words, hear Professor Wigler discuss his over 20 years of research to paint a complete picture of genetic causes of autism.
Share with someone you think would be interested in learning more about autism this .
04/16/2026
What does CSHL’s Partners for the Future Program offer Long Island’s high school students?
- Hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art laboratory
- Direct mentorship from world-class researchers
- Insight into the life and career of a working scientist
- Potential author credits on published research
- The kinds of memories and relationship that last a lifetime
Hit the link to watch the full video and hear from several of the students and mentors who participated in CSHL’s 2025 Partners for the Future Program. Featuring students from The Stony Brook School, Hickville High School, and Sanford H. Calhoun High School. https://www.cshl.edu/videos/cshls-partners-for-the-future-sciences-new-beginnings/
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We are organized into six divisions:
Research: Generates knowledge that will yield better diagnostics and treatments for cancer, neurological diseases and other major diseases, and that will lead to improved and more diverse food resources and more efficient biofuels.
DNA Learning Centers: Educates the public about genetics through the nation’s first science centers dedicated to this purpose.
Watson School of Biological Sciences: Trains the next generation of scientists through an innovative Ph.D. program and other educational offerings.
Meetings and Courses: Brings together more than 11,000 scientists each year from around the world to present and evaluate new data and ideas in biological research.
Banbury Center: Provides a crossroads where scientists discuss important topics in molecular biology, human genetics and science policy, among others.
CSHL Press: Publishes invaluable materials for the worldwide scientific community and the public.