Research

Learn about published research as well as leading-edge basic and translational research initiatives from St. Jude laboratories.

59,000 Volunteers and a team of scientists uncover inherited gene mutations for medulloblastoma
59,000 Volunteers and a team of scientists uncover inherited gene mutations for medulloblastoma

All in the family: How 59,000 volunteers and a team of scientists helped uncover six inherited gene mutations for medulloblastoma

Paul Northcott, PhD

There were 110 suspect genes. We found the six that could lead to childhood brain tumors.

New discoveries are simply that and must withstand the test of time
New discoveries are simply that and must withstand the test of time

New discoveries are simply that and must withstand the test of time

Charles Rock, PhD

You really trust the ‘latest and greatest?’ Over-hyped scientific discoveries that haven’t been thoroughly tested create false hope for cures.

Statistical hypothesis testing: minimize bias and ensure your results are significant
Statistical hypothesis testing: minimize bias and ensure your results are significant

Statistical hypothesis testing: minimize bias and help ensure your results are significant

Charles Rock, PhD

Don’t fall for the trap: Follow these 4 steps to help ensure your experimental results are statistically significant.

Hydroxyurea: How much is too much for sickle cell patients?
Hydroxyurea: How much is too much for sickle cell patients?

Hydroxyurea: How much is too much? Sickle cell study reveals individualized dosage leads to decreased hospitalizations

Lee Morgan

Federally-funded study of hydroxyurea shows that a long-held medication convention isn’t best for pediatric sickle cell patients.

CAR T cells: Are they the horizon for treatment of solid tumors?
CAR T cells: Are they the horizon for treatment of solid tumors?

CAR T cells: Are they on the horizon for treatment of solid tumors?

Mary Powers

Ongoing research on CAR T-cell therapy, heralded as a miracle cure, shows promise for treating solid tumors. How close are we?

Memory T cells hang back from the front lines of the fight, and live to lead the fight when a pathogen returns
Memory T cells hang back from the front lines of the fight, and live to lead the fight when a pathogen returns

Cells trained to recognize returning infections

Ben Youngblood, PhD

The former killers now recognize the enemy when it returns — and you’re better off because of it.

Skinny-Gene Clue Leads to Rhabdomyosarcoma Breakthrough
Skinny-Gene Clue Leads to Rhabdomyosarcoma Breakthrough

Fat Chance: 'Skinny Gene' research unexpectedly leads to tumor breakthrough

Mark Hatley, MD, PhD

A wrong turn in fat research uncovered an important clue to pinpoint an origin of the most prevalent soft tissue cancer in children.

A hypothesis can’t be right unless it can be proven wrong
A hypothesis can’t be right unless it can be proven wrong

A hypothesis can’t be right unless it can be proven wrong

Charles Rock, PhD

Always being right is wrong — Learn how science can be corrupted by poor experiments and theories that cannot be disproven.

Sonic Hedgehog pathway – how embryonic cells broadcast growth instructions
Sonic Hedgehog pathway – how embryonic cells broadcast growth instructions

Exploring the Sonic Hedgehog pathway – how embryonic cells broadcast their growth instructions

Stacey Ogden, PhD

New research of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway shows potential targets for cancer treatments. Read how this cellular pathway plays a critical role in normal and cancerous development.

Genetic testing in childhood cancer: a Pediatric Cancer Genome Project update
Genetic testing in childhood cancer: a Pediatric Cancer Genome Project update

Genetic testing in childhood cancer: a Pediatric Cancer Genome Project update

James R. Downing, MD

Germline mutations can contribute to leukemia, retinoblastoma, and other pediatric cancers. Learn about advancements in the first landmark effort specifically designed to better understand these mutations and develop novel treatment methods.