Dr. Theresa L. Whiteside's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on developing non-invasive biomarkers for patients with head and neck cancer. They study small extracellular vesicles (sEV), also known as exosomes, found in body fluids to help predict how patients will respond to therapies. By isolating and analyzing these vesicles from patient plasma, the lab aims to establish reliable indicators for prognosis and treatment effectiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Robert M McPeek's lab studies how our eyes quickly and accurately fixate on objects in our environment. They focus on understanding how the brain selects targets for eye movements, especially in natural settings where we encounter many potential objects. Using advanced analysis techniques, their research aims to unveil the neural mechanisms behind eye movements, which are crucial for everyday tasks like reading, cooking, and driving.

Deyu Fang's research lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for triple negative breast cancer by combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The lab's goal is to create therapies that not only target cancer cells but also enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumors, particularly those that are resistant to existing treatments. They explore the role of specific proteins, like USP22, in cancer cell growth and immune response to devise effective therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Jessica Lynn Feldman's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding how microtubules, important components of cell structure, organize themselves during the differentiation of cells. By studying the roles of specific proteins in microtubule organizing centers, her team investigates the changes that occur in cells as they mature into different types. Their research has implications for understanding diseases like cancer, where these processes can go wrong.

Dr. Sam Golden's lab at the University of Washington studies the effects of fentanyl on the brain and explores why some people are more vulnerable to opioid abuse than others. By using advanced techniques to analyze brain function and gene expression in mice, the lab aims to create detailed maps of brain circuitry involved in fentanyl seeking behavior. This research is important for understanding addiction and developing new strategies to combat opioid abuse.

Dr. Farzad Fereidouni's lab focuses on developing a new microscopy technique to improve the evaluation of kidney fibrosis, a condition that affects many patients with chronic kidney disease. The lab aims to create a rapid and accurate tool for detecting fibrosis directly from commonly used tissue slides, ultimately enhancing patient diagnosis and treatment outcomes. This research blends advanced imaging technology with practical applications in renal pathology.

Dr. Stefan Feske's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how T cells and B cells regulate immune responses to infections and their roles in autoimmune diseases. The research explores the mechanisms by which ion channels affect T cell function and plasma cell differentiation, using models of inflammation and genetic screening. The ultimate goal is to identify potential drug targets that can modulate these immune responses.

Dr. Paul D. Fey's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which certain bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus species, adhere to human skin. Although some of these bacteria can cause infections, many also play beneficial roles by preventing other pathogens from colonizing the skin. The lab's research seeks to reveal how these bacteria interact with skin cells, which could lead to new treatments for infections.

Dr. Todd A. Fiacco's lab at UC Riverside focuses on how astrocytes, a type of brain cell, regulate their size and influence the electrical activity of neurons. His research investigates a specific channel (VRAC) that opens when astrocytes swell, leading to the release of important molecules like glutamate which affects communication between brain cells. This work aims to enhance our understanding of epilepsy and other neurological disorders by uncovering new targets for treatment.

Dr. Melinda Larsen's lab focuses on understanding and treating fibrosis, particularly in salivary glands damaged by radiation or diseases like Sjogren's Syndrome. They explore how certain cells contribute to fibrosis and investigate potential therapies that could improve organ regeneration. This research is crucial as fibrosis is a major health issue, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.

Dr. Andrew Fire's lab at Stanford University studies how cells respond to changes in their genetic information. Using the C. elegans model organism, the lab explores how cells can distinguish between their own genetic material and foreign elements, such as viruses. Research aims include understanding the mechanisms of gene silencing and inheritance, with applications that could lead to therapies for controlling gene expression.

Dr. Bonnie L. Firestein's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how the brain recovers from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), like concussions. They investigate how specific proteins and metabolic processes can help protect brain function and promote recovery. The lab looks for new ways to treat and potentially reduce the long-lasting effects of these injuries on individuals' cognitive abilities and overall brain health.

Thomas C. Friedrich's research focuses on understanding how previous exposure to mosquito-borne flaviviruses, like dengue and Zika, influences the immune response and disease outcomes when encountering other flaviviruses. By studying both human populations and nonhuman primate models, the lab explores the complex interactions of immunity, aiming to improve vaccination strategies and pandemic preparedness. Their work sheds light on how specific sequences of viral exposure impact health risks and immune protection against emerging viruses.

Dr. Jodi A. Flaws' lab at the University of Illinois focuses on the impact of environmental chemicals, specifically phthalates and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), on female reproductive health. The lab investigates how these chemicals contribute to early reproductive aging, which can lead to issues like infertility and other health complications in midlife women. By using advanced techniques to understand the mechanisms behind EDC-induced ovarian damage, the lab aims to identify potential treatments and preventive strategies.

Dr. Matthew J. Flick's lab investigates how blood clots form and how to prevent excessive clotting, which can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes. The team studies an important protein called fibrinogen, aiming to develop new therapies that reduce the risk of thrombosis while keeping the body’s ability to stop bleeding intact. Their research is crucial for improving public health outcomes related to blood clotting disorders.

Dr. Simon Patrick Hogan's lab focuses on understanding food allergies, particularly in children, and aims to find new ways to treat them. The lab studies how certain immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract interact with food antigens and how this may lead to allergic reactions. By investigating the roles of specific signaling pathways and cell types, the team seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatments for food allergies.

Dr. Mary Glenn Fowler's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on HIV research in Uganda, particularly aiming to prevent mother-to-child transmission and improve treatment options for at-risk populations. The lab conducts clinical trials that explore new therapies and vaccines for HIV, while also training the next generation of researchers in these vital areas. Their work addresses a critical public health issue by identifying effective strategies to combat the global HIV pandemic.

Dr. Ashwanth Christopher Francis's lab focuses on understanding how the HIV-1 virus navigates within a host cell to integrate its genetic material into the host genome. Specifically, the lab investigates the role of a host protein, CPSF6, in guiding the virus to specific sites within the cell nucleus where it can successfully insert its DNA. This research is crucial for developing strategies to combat HIV and improve public health outcomes related to viral infections.

David Freedman's research lab at the University of Chicago focuses on understanding how the brain makes quick decisions based on visual information. Through the study of neuronal activity in specific brain areas, the lab investigates how we learn to categorize visual stimuli, which is crucial for navigating our daily lives. Their work has important implications for treating cognitive disorders that affect visual recognition and decision-making, such as Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder.

Dr. Jianping Fu's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing innovative models to better understand human brain and spinal cord development. Using cutting-edge microfluidics technology, the lab aims to create a human neural tube model that accurately replicates the architecture and patterning of the central nervous system. This research could help decode the complexities of neurodevelopmental disorders and aid in the advancement of regenerative therapies.