Calico Life Sciences

Understanding gene function at scale is a major challenge in genomics. PERISCOPE, a new research tool co-developed by Calico and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and published in Nature Methods, maps how genes shape cell structure and behavior across 20,000 genes and 30 million cells. By combining cell painting imaging with in situ sequencing and an open-source analysis pipeline, PERISCOPE creates a comprehensive, unbiased atlas linking genetic changes to cellular effects. This publicly available resource provides scientists with a new method to explore gene function, reconstruct biological pathways, and uncover new insights into disease. Learn more about this collaboration and how it contributes to advancing our understanding of aging and age-related disease in our latest Calico Story: https://lnkd.in/gzNmVp_q #AgingResearch #CalicoStories

It’s a pleasure to see our team member David Kelley recognized as a rising star in AI by Nature Index. David's work here at Calico in machine learning is helping unravel the complexities of how cells regulate gene expression throughout their lifespans. Explore the article to learn how David and other researchers apply AI to speed up scientific discovery: https://lnkd.in/eVGwxktv We're proud to have such talent on our team, working together to increase understanding of aging biology and develop ways to help people live longer, healthier lives. #AgingScience #AI

We’re now welcoming applications for our Calico Summer Internship Program from ambitious students who share our passion and curiosity for exploring the biology of aging and working at the frontier of science. As an intern at Calico, you’ll be fully embedded in one of our labs or teams, working under the mentorship of a Calico scientist or engineer to help contribute to advances in the science of aging and the development of new interventions that may help people live longer and healthier lives. This new class of interns will join a 12-week paid summer program beginning in June 2025 at our headquarters in South San Francisco. Interns gain hands-on experience working with leading research technologies, enjoy cross-disciplinary collaboration, and tackle a unique project to help advance the field of aging science. Explore our summer 2025 internship opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/gUr-G2E #AgingResearch #ScienceInternships #LifeScience

We’re delighted to partner with the UK Biobank as they launch the most comprehensive study to better understand how proteins found in the blood and circulating throughout our bodies influence disease as we age. As a longtime collaborator, our scientists work with the UK Biobank’s extensive genetic and health data to advance our research and explore new ideas to tackle aging and age-related diseases. We’re looking forward to utilizing this new resource.  #AgingResearch #Proteomics 

DNA is the blueprint for genetic functions, but predicting regulatory processes from DNA sequences alone is challenging. In a new study published in Nature Genetics, Calico researchers share how they developed a machine learning algorithm called Borzoi that predicts how DNA sequences influence RNA production and processing. Borzoi uses RNA-seq data to learn how genes are activated, how RNA is processed, and how genetic variations influence these steps, helping to predict how DNA sequences affect RNA production and processing. Unlike other models that focus on just one part of the regulatory process, Borzoi provides a more complete picture, helping us better understand how DNA controls gene activity in different cells and tissues. Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/gwDx8b5Q

Collaboration– both internally and externally– is foundational to our approach at Calico because we believe that breakthroughs happen when curious people work together. As Associate Director of Information Technology User Support, Stephanie ensures the IT team delivers outstanding support to everyone at Calico. She also plays a vital role in optimizing our workflows and processes, so our scientists always have access to the right technologies to drive our discoveries. Learn more about what Life at Calico is like for Stephanie and her colleagues: https://lnkd.in/gdFFYBHb #ExploreWithUs #ScienceCareers

Technology powers our research at Calico. Kendra Nyberg leads our Microfluidics Group, where she and her team develop advanced screening technologies that enhance the precision and throughput of screens—unlocking new research possibilities that traditional methods cannot. By leveraging microfluidics, Kendra is helping us push the boundaries of what’s possible in aging science. Discover how Kendra and her colleagues at Calico are contributing to a greater understanding of aging and age-related diseases: https://lnkd.in/gG3reMZa #ExploreWithUs #ScienceCareers

Calico began with a bold vision to solve the mysteries of aging and devise interventions that would enable people to live longer, healthier lives. A decade later, collaboration remains foundational to our approach because we understand that working together can expand possibilities and capabilities. Alongside exceptional partners whose expertise and technologies complement our own, we are making exciting progress. We’ve established rewarding partnerships with more than 50 collaborators across industry and academia and have developed a pipeline spanning more than 20 programs in aging-related diseases. Learn more about some of our key partnerships and milestones to date. #Collaboration #AgingScience

A recent study by Calico researchers, in collaboration with teams from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital, explores a new approach that may help improve cancer immunotherapy. The study focuses on proteins called ERAP1 and ERAP2, which help cancer cells hide from the immune system. By targeting these proteins, the researchers found a way to interrupt a key mechanism (HLA-E/NKG2A checkpoint) that tumors use to evade immune attacks. The discovery of this alternative pathway for inactivating HLA-E-NKG2A signaling could one day help with the development of new immunotherapies. Explore key findings and read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gs3QweFJ #cancerresearch #agingscience #immunotherapy

Advanced computing is critical to our work at Calico, enabling us to harness and make sense of the vast amounts of data from today’s high-throughput technologies. Jeffmin and his colleagues on the Computing team work closely with R&D to build infrastructure, develop software and invent new methods and algorithms that help us answer meaningful biological questions and advance clinical research. Learn more about how Jeffmin and the team at Calico work together to accelerate scientific discovery: https://lnkd.in/gG3reMZa #ExploreWithUs #ScienceCareers