Dr. Rhoda Au's lab focuses on understanding and preventing Alzheimer's disease through innovative digital technologies. They aim to develop continuous cognitive assessment tools that can detect changes in cognitive health before more severe symptoms emerge. Using data from studies such as the Framingham Heart Study, the lab combines advanced imaging techniques with digital biomarkers to better identify individuals at risk of Alzheimer's and tailor personalized interventions.

The Roussarie lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how specific genes and microRNAs influence vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. Their research investigates the role of miR-129-2, a microRNA that may help protect neurons in the entorhinal cortex from neurodegeneration related to Alzheimer's. By mapping its expression patterns and studying its effects on tau accumulation, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to mitigate early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Jerry L Chen's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how the brain processes tactile information through circuits in the sensorimotor cortex. They study the connections between local and long-range neural circuits and how these circuits influence behavior, particularly in relation to tactile perception using a mouse model. Their innovative research combines advanced imaging techniques and molecular analysis to develop a comprehensive model of sensory processing in the brain.

Dr. Maria Medalla's lab at Boston University investigates how the brain integrates emotional and cognitive information, focusing on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). By studying the synaptic and circuit-level properties of neurons within the ACC, particularly in relation to emotional regulation and cognitive processes, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that can inform treatments for mood disorders and other affective conditions.

Dr. Jennifer I. Luebke's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain's prefrontal and premotor areas contribute to decision-making processes. Using advanced techniques, the lab investigates how these neurons work together to influence our choices and actions, especially in the context of brain disorders. The insights gained from this research aim to inform future treatments for mental health conditions and recovery methods following brain injuries.

Dr. Ivana Delalle's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. The lab aims to identify and validate specific RNA signatures as biomarkers for early diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets. By utilizing advanced techniques and large-scale study samples, the research bridges the gap between genetic and environmental factors contributing to AD.

Dr. Nobuyuki Ishibashi's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on improving neurological outcomes for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) using innovative cell therapy approaches. The lab is investigating how bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) can be delivered via cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgeries to repair brain tissue and enhance recovery. Their research includes understanding the molecular mechanisms of these therapies and identifying bioactive molecules that could lead to new treatments.

Dr. Tara Moore's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on using extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells to understand and potentially treat age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in primates. The research explores how these vesicles can enhance brain health by improving memory, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. A key aspect is studying the differences between male and female extracellular vesicles and their impact on brain recovery from injuries and age-related conditions.

Dr. Benjamin Wolozin's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding the role of RNA modifications in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. They study how changes in specific RNA molecules can contribute to disease progression and aim to identify novel therapeutic targets that could potentially delay or alter the course of Alzheimer's. Through various experimental approaches, the lab investigates the interplay between RNA biology and the pathophysiological processes underlying neurodegeneration.

Dr. Michael L. Wallace's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how serotonin influences brain circuitry, especially within the lateral habenula, a region involved in evaluating emotional outcomes. Their research aims to identify specific neuron types affected by serotonin and how these interactions may contribute to conditions like depression, particularly after chronic stress. By exploring these neuron-type specific responses, the lab seeks to uncover insights that could lead to improved treatments for depression and related disorders.

Dr. Zeba B. Wunderlich's lab at Boston University studies how certain regulatory elements in DNA, called shadow enhancers, help ensure consistent gene expression during development. By exploring how these enhancers function and evolve, the lab hopes to uncover insights into developmental disorders such as autism and diabetes that arise from genetic and environmental factors. This research aims to connect the organization of these enhancers to their role in robust developmental processes.

Dr. Richard Jarrett Rushmore's lab at Boston University focuses on mapping an important part of the brain called the superficial white matter (SWM) in primates, specifically rhesus monkeys. This research aims to understand how the SWM connects different brain areas, which is crucial for studying neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and autism. By using advanced imaging and histological techniques, the lab will create detailed maps of these connections, benefiting both animal and human health research.

Dr. Jonathan D. Cherry's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding the effects of repetitive head injuries (RHI) on the brain, particularly concerning a condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The lab uses advanced techniques to study how tau protein accumulates in the brain after such injuries and how this influences neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Their research aims to elucidate the mechanisms linking RHI and tau pathology, hoping to lead to better treatments and diagnostic markers for CTE and related diseases.

Dr. Tarik Haydar's lab at Boston University Medical Campus studies the complex processes involved in the development of the neocortex, the brain region responsible for sensory perception and higher cognitive functions. The lab focuses on understanding how neural precursor cells give rise to diverse neuron types and how these neurons integrate into functional circuits. By using advanced techniques like genetic labeling and in vivo studies, the team aims to uncover how the lineage of these precursor cells influences brain circuit formation and contributes to various neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. Meg Younger's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti, detect human odors to find their hosts for biting. This research is critical because mosquitoes are vectors for dangerous diseases like dengue and Zika. By examining the neural circuits in the mosquito brain, the lab aims to uncover how these insects interpret various sensory cues, which may lead to novel strategies for controlling mosquito populations and preventing disease transmission.

Dr. Markus Bosmann's lab focuses on understanding how bacterial polyphosphates influence immune responses in the intestines, especially in relation to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They study how these bacterial metabolites affect immune cell interactions and contribute to the severity of gut inflammation. This research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for IBD by examining the gut microbiota's role in immune system regulation.