Biological Anthropology Labs

The Neurodevelopmental Evolution and Stem Cell Research Laboratory is located on the third floor of the Social Sciences Research Building. It is equipped for the culture of human and nonhuman primate stem cells and for the study of neuronal maturation and function. The lab uses stem cell models from human and nonhuman primate species to test hypotheses about the role of disruptions to human-specific cellular and molecular signatures during neurodevelopment and their potential impact on mental health. The lab focuses on using tridimensional stem cell-derived neural organoids to study the physiological behavior of human neurons in neurodevelopmental conditions that have a genetic (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorder) or after exposure to environmental perturbation (ex. exposure to micro-plastics).

For more information, contact Dr. Maria Carolina Marchetto (mcmarchetto@ucsd.edu)

Location: Social Sciences Research Building (SSRB) 344 and 345 

The genetic anthropology lab includes general genetic anthropology lab equipment, for the purpose of extracting, amplifying, and sequencing DNA to answer questions of anthropological interest. The lab also contains a Pyromark Q24 and all accessory equipment for the primary purpose of assaying DNA methylation levels. Pyrosequencing is a technique which enables sensitive quantification of methylation status at individual nucleotides, though the technique can also be used for other purposes, eg. genotyping, obtaining ploidy levels, and mixed genotypes in heterogeneous samples (e.g. tumor and normal cells).

For more information, contact Dr. Amy Non.

Location: Social Science Research Building 339 (SSRB 339)

The Evolutionary Glycobiology Lab is located on the fourth floor of the Biomedical research Building II (BRFII) in the UCSD Medical school. It is equipped for the study of glycan molecules: the oligo-and polysaccharides attached to cell surfaces, forming the glycocalyx (sugar coat), and abundant constituents of extracellular matrices, and secretions. The laboratory is equipped for analyses at multiple levels of biological organization ranging from molecules, to cells, tissues, including tissue culture, and whole organisms. The equipment allows quantification of glycan composition and the study of protein-glycan binding using custom printed glycan arrays as well as the measurement of gene products (proteins involved in synthesis and/or recognition of glycans).

For more information, contact Dr. Pascal Gagneux. 
Location: Biomedical research Building II (BRFII) space 4217. (BRFII 4217)