Etcetera

Scripps Research Named Among Top Institutions in Microbiology
The Scripps Research Institute is the world's second most influential institution in microbiology, according to the publication The Times Higher Education. The ranking was based on by citations-per-paper data provided by Thomson Reuters' Essential Science Indicators, which "seeks to reveal 'heavy hitters' based on per paper influence, not mere output," according to Thomson Reuters. For the complete list, see the chart, "Top Institutions in Microbiology."

Scripps Florida Grant Supports Advanced Technology
Scripps Research has received a grant worth nearly half a million dollars to purchase advanced technology for the Scripps Florida campus that will allow scientists to do in-depth studies of various types of proteins. The grant was awarded by the National Center for Research Resources as part of the Shared Instrumentation Grant Program.

The new technology is a LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer. The instrument, which was installed in June, is available for several national collaborations and to Scripps Research scientists for collaborative studies on protein and receptor dynamics and on transcriptional complexes that have been associated with diseases such as diabetes and cancer. In addition, it will provide training for research technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, according to Patrick R. Griffin, chair of the Scripps Florida Department of Molecular Therapeutics.

"This high-resolution mass spectrometer is considered state-of-the-art in protein mass spectrometry," said Michael Chalmers, senior staff scientist and manager of the HDX laboratory, "and it has been interfaced with Scripps Florida's HDX robotic system for automated experiments."

Daniel Bachovchin Wins California Breast Cancer Research Award
Daniel Bachovchin, a student in the Scripps Research Kellogg School of Science and Technology, has received a two-year award from the California Breast Cancer Research Program. His project, titled "Pharmacological Modulation of PP2A Activity in Breast Cancer," will be conducted in the Cravatt lab.

Christie Fowler Selected to Receive ACNP Travel Award
Christie Fowler, a research associate in the Kenny lab, has been selected to receive a competitive travel award from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. The award will support Fowler's oral presentation, titled "Translational Approaches for Nicotine Dependence," at the ACNP annual meeting, to be held in Miami, Florida, from December 4 to 9.

Barbara Suflas Noble Honored by South Florida Business Journal
Barbara Suflas Noble, director of external affairs at Scripps Florida, has been named one of the Influential Business Women for 2010 by the South Florida Business Journal. A luncheon in honor of the winners will be held at Hyatt Pier 66 on September 16.

Send comments to: mikaono[at]scripps.edu