A scientist from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in San Diego—Ardem Patapoutian—has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences for his “distinguished and continuing achievements in original research”, Massis Post reported quoting the academy statement.

Patapoutian, Ph.D., a TSRI professor and member of the Dorris Neuroscience Center at TSRI and investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, studies how cells “talk” to each other and send signals through the body. His lab works to uncover the basic mysteries of human sensory biology, such as the proteins underlying our sense of touch, and contribute to the development of futuretreatments for disease.

“It is truly such an honor to be recognized by the NAS, especially as the need to advocate for strong science public policy is more urgent than ever,” said Patapoutian. “TSRI has truly enabled the cutting-edge techniques that have propelled our research forward.”

Patapoutian is among the academy’s 84 new members and 21 foreign associates.