Dr. Natalia Nieto's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific macrophages in combating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common liver disease. They are investigating a unique subset of macrophages that produce high levels of osteopontin and their potential protective effects against liver damage. This research could lead to new strategies for treating NASH, an area with few effective therapies at present.

Dr. Kariuki Njenga's lab focuses on enhancing public health research in Kenya through collaboration with local and international institutions. The lab aims to develop a sustainable research platform that improves the management and efficacy of health research initiatives, particularly in areas such as infectious diseases and public health systems. Their work includes training local scientists and implementing innovative management practices to strengthen healthcare research capacity.

Dr. Paul Langridge's lab at Augusta University explores how mechanical forces activate the Notch signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell communication during development and disease. By studying Drosophila models, the lab examines the role of specific proteins, like Epsin, in the endocytosis process of Notch ligands. The research aims to uncover new insights into how disruptions in this process can lead to various human health issues, including cancers and other disorders.

Dr. Noelle Noyes' lab focuses on understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria and how these bacteria share resistance genes within their communities. The lab is developing innovative metagenomic sequencing techniques to better analyze microbial populations related to healthcare and public health. By improving our understanding of AMR dynamics, the lab aims to inform better clinical decisions and improve health outcomes.

Dr. Lauren O'Connell's lab studies how young animals learn to communicate and interact with others through movement, a process known as perceptual motor development. Using social tadpoles, her research explores how dopamine signaling and a specific protein related to Fragile X syndrome affect this development. By understanding these brain mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover insights that could help in addressing communication and developmental issues, particularly in conditions like autism.

Dr. David H. O'Connor's lab focuses on improving public health surveillance for respiratory viruses, particularly in schools. They study the effectiveness of air sampling as a way to detect airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, providing an innovative approach to monitor and manage outbreaks. By understanding virus transmission through air samples, the lab aims to develop strategies that could keep schools safer and reduce absenteeism due to illness.

Dr. Jeffrey Ohmann Bush's research lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how the cells shape the craniofacial structure during development and what goes wrong in craniofacial congenital anomalies. Using innovative techniques, including live imaging and CRISPR, the lab investigates the cellular behaviors and signaling mechanisms that lead to these birth defects. The goal is to translate this knowledge into improved therapeutic strategies for treating craniofacial conditions.

Bruce A Bamber's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding how our sense of smell influences behavior and physiological responses using the model organism C. elegans. The lab studies how olfactory information is processed and encoded through a combinatorial coding mechanism, with the aim of uncovering the underlying principles of olfactory processing. Undergraduate students play a pivotal role in the research, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to key experiments.

Dr. Paul Feinstein's lab focuses on understanding how certain genes are regulated in the olfactory system, specifically how sensory neurons choose which odorant receptor genes to express. This process of monoallelic expression allows each neuron to express only one type of odorant receptor from a vast array of options. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover fundamental principles of gene expression that may have broader implications for treating brain disorders.

Dr. Sandeep R Datta's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding how the brain processes and interprets olfactory (smell) information, as well as studying behavioral changes in Alzheimer's disease. The lab uses innovative techniques like single cell sequencing and advanced motion analysis to explore how sensory systems adapt and how behavioral patterns are affected by neurological conditions. Students in the lab will learn about the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and behavior.

Dr. Aaron F. Carlin's lab at UC San Diego focuses on developing new oral antiviral treatments for RNA viruses, such as coronaviruses and dengue. They create and optimize lipid-based prodrugs that enhance the delivery and effectiveness of antiviral medications, aiming to improve treatment options for infections that pose significant public health risks. The research combines synthetic chemistry and pharmacokinetics to design innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Shanye Yin's lab focuses on understanding how HIV and HPV interact to influence the development of oropharyngeal cancer, a type of throat cancer. By investigating the role of immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, in patients co-infected with these viruses, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for preventing and treating cancer in individuals living with HIV. Their research combines advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing and innovative mouse models to provide insights that could lead to improved therapies for affected patients.

Dr. Anthony Wayne Orr's lab at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport focuses on understanding and treating atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular disease. The lab investigates how cells interact with the extracellular matrix and how specific proteins influence inflammation and plaque stability. By exploring novel therapeutic strategies, the lab aims to develop targeted treatments that can both reduce dangerous inflammation and stabilize plaque in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Santosh K. Mishra's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind osteoarthritis (OA) pain, a condition that affects millions of adults. The lab investigates how the signaling pathways of artemin and its receptor relate to the pain experienced in OA, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets. This research could pave the way for innovative and safer treatments for those suffering from chronic OA pain.

Dr. Rachel E Diner's lab studies how the microbiome of oysters affects their accumulation of environmental contaminants and pathogens. By understanding the role of these microbial communities, the lab aims to improve seafood safety and public health, particularly in coastal areas where oysters are harvested. The research also involves mentoring undergraduate students, providing them with hands-on experience in the field of biomedical research.

Dr. Ertugrul M Ozbudak's research lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how vertebrates develop their spinal structures, specifically through the process of somitogenesis, where the body segments are formed. The lab investigates how genetic regulation and signaling mechanisms ensure that this process is precise and resilient to variations between cells. By studying these aspects, the lab aims to uncover fundamental insights that could help prevent spinal malformations.

Yannick Fotio's lab at the University of Texas Dallas focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind chronic pain, a significant health issue affecting millions. The research investigates the role of a specific enzyme, N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase (NAAA), in pain signaling and how it may contribute to the transition from acute to chronic pain. By exploring metabolic changes in cells after injury, the lab aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for managing chronic pain.

Dr. Utpal Pal's research lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding the biology of ticks, especially how they interact with pathogens like the ones causing Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. The lab explores the molecular signaling pathways in ticks that influence their immune responses and development. Through this research, they aim to develop innovative strategies for tick control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Dr. Seung K. Kim's lab focuses on understanding pancreatic cancer and its relationships with diabetes. They investigate how certain cells in the pancreas undergo changes that could lead to cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The lab studies interactions between immune cells and cancer cells to determine how these relationships influence disease development. They aim to uncover the genetic and signaling pathways involved in these processes to help improve treatment options and early diagnosis.

Dr. Rushika Perera's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding pancreatic cancer, specifically the mechanisms that allow these cancer cells to survive in harsh environments. The lab explores how certain proteins in lysosomes, which are the cell's waste disposal units, help pancreatic cancer cells grow and spread, even in nutrient-poor conditions. By investigating these processes, the lab aims to develop new treatment strategies targeting these proteins to combat this aggressive cancer.