Unleashing the power of AI to track animal behavior
Movement offers a window into how the brain operates and controls the body. Methods for tracking human and animal movement have come a long way, with current cutting-edge methods utilizing artificial intelligence to automatically track parts of the body as they move. However, training these models is still time-intensive and limited by the need for researchers to manually mark each body part hundreds to thousands of times. Associate Professor Eiman Azim, first author Daniel Butler, and colleagues have created GlowTrack, a noninvasive movement-tracking method that uses fluorescent dye markers to train artificial intelligence. GlowTrack is robust, time-efficient, and high-definition—capable of tracking a single digit on a mouse’s paw or hundreds of landmarks on a human hand.
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Professor Jan Karlseder named Salk’s Chief Science OfficerOn February 1, Jan Karlseder started as Salk’s new senior vice president and chief science officer (CSO). 
Salk mourns the loss of Nobel Laureate Roger GuilleminThe Institute remembers the “father of neuroendocrinology” for his many contributions to science and friendship to all.
Daniel Hollern–Turning a cancer diagnosis into a career in basic researchAssistant Professor Daniel Hollern pivoted his career trajectory after a family member’s life-changing diagnosis pushed his already-curious mind off a cliff of questions—starting with, “What can I do to help him?”
Jerry Sheehan–Collaborating shoulder to shoulder with scientistsWhen you think about a person who heads an information technology department, you might not envision them working shoulder to shoulder with research scientists. But that’s exactly the approach Jerry Sheehan is taking as Salk’s new chief information officer (CIO).
Laura Mainz–Taking control after a cancer diagnosisLaura Mainz grew up in a tiny village in midwestern Germany, with just as many cows as people. But the sweeping landscape speckled with farms never swayed her toward plant biology—instead, her interest in the human body grew.
Black Association affinity group cultivates welcoming environmentThe Black Association at Salk (BAS) was one of the first affinity groups formed at Salk in 2020. Since that time, it has established itself as a welcoming space and go-to for resources for all Black Salk community members.