Dr. Nicolas Berbari's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis explores how a specific signaling pathway, known as Hedgehog signaling, affects energy balance in the brain. By studying neurons in the hypothalamus, the lab aims to understand how these signals can influence feeding behavior and contribute to obesity. Their research could provide insights into potential treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Andrew Berglund's lab focuses on developing new small molecule therapeutics to treat neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly myotonic dystrophy and spinocerebellar ataxias. The research aims to understand the mechanisms through which expanded RNA sequences disrupt normal RNA processing and to design drugs that can reduce the toxicity of these expanded RNAs. By utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models, the lab evaluates the efficacy and safety of these compounds, potentially advancing towards future clinical therapies.

Dr. Tessa Bergsbaken's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with epithelial cells in the intestines to regulate immune responses. They investigate a specific molecule called CD103 that plays a significant role in the activity of lymphocytes, which are critical for defending against intestinal infections. This research aims to uncover how these immune responses can maintain a healthy gut barrier while preventing diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.

The Bernstein Lab at Ball State University focuses on understanding the role of RNA modifications in fungal pathogens, particularly C. albicans and C. auris. By studying how these fungi process pseudouridine, which differs from human RNA metabolism, the lab aims to uncover vital differences that could lead to new antifungal treatments. Students in the lab gain hands-on experience with modern techniques to explore these important biological questions.

Dr. Maria Bettini's lab focuses on understanding how T cells, which are crucial for immune responses, may contribute to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The lab investigates the mechanics of T cell receptor interactions with self-antigens and how these interactions can lead to T cell persistence in autoimmune conditions. By using cutting-edge technologies, they aim to uncover how T cells can evade normal regulatory mechanisms, potentially leading to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Matthew Bettini's lab studies how early life exposure to microbes influences immune system development, particularly focusing on T cells produced in the thymus. They also explore how enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapies can improve cancer treatments by fine-tuning intracellular signaling pathways. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better prevention of allergies and asthma, as well as more effective cancer immunotherapies.

Dr. Gira Bhabha's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how certain pathogens, like the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and specialized parasitic fungi, invade human cells and transport essential nutrients. By studying the structures and mechanisms of these transport systems, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for combating diseases such as tuberculosis and microsporidiosis, which affect vulnerable populations. Through innovative techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the lab investigates the intricate biology of these pathogens and their interactions with host cells.

Dr. Anita Bhattacharyya's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding Down syndrome, a genetic condition that often leads to intellectual disabilities. The lab investigates how trisomy 21 affects brain development, specifically looking at neuronal formation and synaptic connections. By using innovative stem cell models, they aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind cognitive impairments in Down syndrome, which could inform future therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Martha E. Bickford's lab investigates how a specific brain area called the pretectum influences visual processing and behaviors in mammals. They aim to understand the connections and interactions between the pretectum and thalamic neurons involved in integrating vision and movement. The research may provide insights into treating visual motion disorders and enhance techniques for diagnosing conditions such as dyslexia and schizophrenia.

Dr. Anil V Parwani's lab at Ohio State University focuses on cancer research through the collection and management of human biospecimens. They work as part of a cooperative network that provides high-quality biological samples to researchers, enabling groundbreaking studies in cancer treatment and personalized medicine. Their work supports a better understanding of cancer biology and helps develop new therapies based on human tissues and clinical data.

Dr. Stephen M. Black's lab focuses on the mechanisms of pulmonary vascular disease, especially related to pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease. They investigate how metabolic changes in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells contribute to these diseases, aiming to identify novel therapeutic strategies. The research combines molecular biology techniques with preclinical models to explore mitochondrial function, cell growth, and signaling pathways involved in vascular remodeling.

Dr. Deborah W. Knapp's lab at Purdue University focuses on improving cancer treatment through innovative research on immune cell responses in both dogs and humans with invasive urinary bladder cancer. By studying naturally-occurring bladder cancer in dogs, the lab aims to advance immunotherapy techniques that can enhance outcomes in human patients. This research not only contributes to better therapy options for bladder cancer but also aims to harness the canine model to explore solutions for other types of cancer.

Dr. Bogdan A Czerniak's lab focuses on understanding bladder cancer, a common and deadly disease. The research aims to identify how bladder cancer develops and evolves, particularly looking at the cellular changes that contribute to its severity and resistance to treatment. By characterizing the molecular mechanisms involved, the lab aims to develop new therapies to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for bladder cancer patients.

Philip A Beachy's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding and treating Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), a painful condition that disrupts the lives of millions, particularly women. By exploring the regulation of bladder sensory nerves and the integrity of the bladder lining, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could replace opioid treatments, thereby reducing addiction risks. Their research utilizes a combination of advanced genetic techniques and cellular analysis to uncover the complex mechanisms behind this condition.

Dr. Ira J. Blader's lab studies how certain protozoan parasites adapt to different oxygen levels in their environment, particularly focusing on Toxoplasma gondii. By understanding how these parasites sense and respond to oxygen, the lab aims to develop new therapies that could help treat diseases caused by these infections in vulnerable populations. The research combines genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to uncover the mechanisms that drive pathogen survival and virulence in hostile conditions.

Dr. Jef D Boeke's lab at NYU School of Medicine focuses on understanding how genes are regulated within our genomes. They create and manipulate large DNA constructs to study the effects of genetic elements on gene expression, with potential applications in gene therapy and biotechnology. The lab offers exciting opportunities for undergraduate students to be directly involved in these transformative research projects.

Dr. Seth R. Bordenstein's lab studies the interactions between bacteria and their insect hosts, focusing on a specific bacterium called Wolbachia. They investigate how Wolbachia manipulates insect reproduction, particularly in mosquitoes, to control the spread of diseases like Zika and dengue. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions, the lab aims to enhance strategies for using Wolbachia as a tool in public health to reduce mosquito populations and disease transmission.

Dr. Jason W. Botten's lab at the University of Vermont focuses on understanding how certain viruses, specifically arenaviruses, produce defective particles that can influence both viral infection and host health. The lab investigates the cellular mechanisms that regulate these defective particles and their role in viral persistence within animal hosts, particularly rodents. By exploring these interactions, the research could provide insights into how zoonotic viruses impact public health.

Dr. Eric E. Bouhassira's lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine focuses on developing new methods to produce cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) from stem cells. This innovative research aims to improve transfusion therapies, especially for patients with sickle cell disease by creating reliable sources of red blood cells with known antigen profiles. The work promises significant advancements in addressing the challenges of alloimmunization and providing effective transfusion support.

Dr. George R. Bousfield's lab at Wichita State University focuses on understanding the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in fertility and aging, particularly in women. The lab explores how different forms of FSH, which vary by their sugar modifications, can affect reproductive health and bone density. Through advanced genetic models and cutting-edge techniques, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to better infertility treatments and strategies to combat age-related health issues.