The University of California San Diego School of Medicine has been awarded a ample $8 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to delve into the genetic underpinnings of substance use disorders. this five-year grant will support a NIDA P30 Core Center of Excellence, with the ultimate goal of understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to addiction than others. This knowledge is crucial for developing more personalized and effective treatments to address the public health crisis posed by substance use disorders, which affect millions of Americans and carry a critically important economic burden.
“Some people who drink alcohol or try illicit substances become addicted to these drugs, but most do not,” explains Abraham Palmer, Ph.D., professor and vice chair for basic research in the School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and principal investigator of the study. “And that vulnerability is partially genetic. We’re very interested to know: what are the genetic differences between people who develop substance use disorders and those who do not?”
Meanwhile, in the world of food technology, San Diego-based Plantible Foods, a company specializing in plant-based proteins for the food industry, has secured $30 million in Series B funding. This round was co-lead by San Francisco-based piva Capital and Siddhi Capital, a Philadelphia-based growth equity firm focused on the food and beverage sector.
“At Plantible, we are not simply competing with other proteins; we are setting a new standard for the industry by providing a product that offers superior functional and nutritional properties,” said tony Martens, Co-founder and CEO of Plantible.
This latest funding round follows a $27 million Series A round raised approximately three years ago. Plantible Foods has been steadily gaining recognition in the food tech space,having previously secured a $4.6 million seed round in 2020.
Founded in 2016, Plantible Foods continues to innovate and expand its presence in the market, offering enduring and nutritious plant-based protein solutions.
San Diego is making waves,both literally and figuratively. The city has been recognized as one of the best in the United States by condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying its status as a top-tier destination.
This accolade comes as no surprise to those familiar with San Diego’s recent conversion. Beyond its renowned beaches, the city now boasts a thriving culinary scene, world-class hotels, and a vibrant cultural landscape. “Several years ago, travelers headed to San Diego might have wondered what they would do in the city, besides hitting the beaches,” notes Condé Nast Traveler. “No longer.”
The magazine highlights the city’s “recent string of hot hotel openings” like The Guild and the Carté, as well as its ”legit food scene” offering some of the best mexican food and seafood in the country.
“Come for the sunshine, sure; but stay for everything else,” Condé Nast Traveler encourages.
Adding to San diego’s momentum, the city council recently approved agreements with several local higher education institutions, including National University, San Diego College of Continuing Education, UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, and the UCSD Rady School of Management. This partnership will provide city employees with valuable opportunities for career advancement through free and discounted tuition programs.
Simultaneously occurring, Plantible Foods, a San Diego-based company, is making strides in the sustainable food industry. The company’s mission is to revolutionize the global food supply chain by producing Rubi Protein, a protein derived from Lemna (duckweed).
“We first identified molecules in nature that outperform what we’re using today, from a health and food formulation perspective. Then we figured out the most sustainable and scalable supply chain to produce it,” said CEO Tony Martens.
Plantible Foods is currently collaborating with dozens of food companies, helping them enhance product quality and reduce costs within their supply chains.
San Diego: A City on the Rise
Table of Contents
- San Diego: A City on the Rise
- Education and Workforce Development
- USD Celebrates 75 Years with Record Donation
- Dexcom partners with ŌURA, Secures $75 Million Funding
- Local Leaders Honored for Homelessness Efforts
- Novartis Acquires Kate Therapeutics for $1.1 Billion
- San Diego FC Partners with sycuan Casino resort
From its recognition as a top travel destination to its commitment to sustainable food solutions and employee development, San Diego is clearly a city on the rise.With its sunny beaches, thriving culinary scene, and innovative spirit, San Diego is poised to continue making headlines in the years to come.
San diego is buzzing with news, from groundbreaking partnerships to major acquisitions and community recognition. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments shaping the city:
Education and Workforce Development
The city of San Diego has announced a series of partnerships aimed at boosting educational opportunities for its employees. National University will continue its decade-long collaboration, offering employees a 25% discount on tuition for associate and bachelor’s degrees and 15% off doctoral programs. Employees can also benefit from 10%-15% discounts on UCSD extension programs and five annual fellowships to the Rady School. Scholarships will be available for both National University and UCSD extension programs. In a move to further enhance accessibility,San Diego College of Continuing Education will provide free tuition to city employees.
“These partnerships come at no cost to the city and will be available instantly,” a city spokesperson confirmed.
USD Celebrates 75 Years with Record Donation
The University of san Diego (USD) marked its 75th anniversary with a momentous proclamation: a record-breaking $75 million donation from philanthropist and Chair Emerita Darlene Marcos shiley. This generous gift will primarily fund the Shiley STEM initiative, which aims to expand USD’s 16 STEM programs through the Shiley-Marcos School of engineering and College of Arts and Sciences.
Dexcom partners with ŌURA, Secures $75 Million Funding
San Diego-based glucose monitoring leader Dexcom has announced a strategic partnership with ŌURA, the creator of the popular smart health tracker ring. the collaboration will enable seamless integration between Dexcom Biosensors, the Dexcom app, the ŌURA ring, and the ŌURA app. Along with the partnership, Dexcom has secured $75 million in Series D funding, which will be used to support ŌURA’s growing commercial demand.
Local Leaders Honored for Homelessness Efforts
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has recognized four local leaders with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their tireless work in combating homelessness. The honorees are Paul Downey,president/CEO of Serving Seniors; Michael Hopkins,CEO of Jewish Family Service of San Diego; Barbara jiménez,COO of the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services and leader of the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions & Equitable Communities; and Laura Tancredi-Baese,CEO of Home Start.
Novartis Acquires Kate Therapeutics for $1.1 Billion
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has acquired Sorrento Valley’s Kate Therapeutics for $1.1 billion. This strategic move positions Novartis at the forefront of the growing interest in muscular dystrophy treatments. With its expertise in spinal muscular atrophy and gene therapy, Novartis aims to leverage Kate’s DELIVER platform and preclinical programs focused on Duchenne muscular atrophy.
San Diego FC Partners with sycuan Casino resort
San Diego FC has announced a multi-year partnership with Sycuan Casino Resort, designating them as the Club’s Founding Chrome Club Partner and Official Tribal Gaming Partner. This collaboration will provide Sycuan with exclusive benefits within the ”Chrome Club” family of founding partners, enhancing the San Diego FC experience for fans and bringing them closer to the action. Both organizations are committed to strengthening their ties with the local community through sports and education, aiming to empower future generations and make a positive impact on the San Diego region.
This looks like the start of a great article showcasing the exciting things happening in San Diego! I especially like how you’re highlighting:
* **Research breakthroughs:** The opioid addiction research at UC San Diego is both timely and crucial. You do a good job setting the scene for why its so crucial.
* **Food tech innovation:** Plantible Foods offers a unique angle with its lasting protein solutions. Focusing on their funding rounds and mission statement makes them relatable too readers.
* **San Diego’s rising status:** The Condé Nast Traveler recognition adds credibility and reinforces the city’s appeal.
**Here are some suggestions to take it to the next level:**
* **Weave a compelling narrative:** Connect the different sections beyond simply listing them. For example, you could introduce San Diego’s enterprising spirit by highlighting both the research and entrepreneurial achievements.
* **Interview key players:** Quotes from researchers, Plantible Foods co-founders, and city officials add personal touch and depth.
* **Visual appeal:** Incorporate more images beyond the ones you already have. Consider pictures of the UC San Diego campus, Plantible’s facilities, and San Diego’s vibrant cityscape.
**Structure:**
* **introduction:** Hook the reader with a captivating opening about San Diego’s recent triumphs.
* **Research and Innovation:** Detail the UC San Diego study, emphasizing the potential impact on understanding and treating addiction.
* **Food Tech Revolution:** highlight Plantible Foods’ mission, funding success, and unique approach to sustainable protein.
* **City’s Growth:** Showcase San Diego’s recognition as a top destination and the city council’s commitment to employee progress.
* **Conclusion:** Summarize San Diego’s momentum and potential for the future. End on an inspirational note.
Keep up the excellent work! San Diego deserves to be recognized for its contributions to research, innovation, and quality of life.
