Dr. James E. Haber's lab focuses on how cells sense and repair DNA damage, particularly double-strand breaks, using budding yeast as a model organism. They investigate the mechanisms involved in gene conversion and how this applies to both cancer biology and the Lyme disease bacterium. By utilizing advanced techniques, the lab aims to uncover the intricacies of DNA repair and its impact on genetic stability in both normal and diseased cells.

Dr. Sebastian Kadener's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the aging process, particularly how they affect brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The research combines biochemical and genetic techniques to explore how circRNAs influence lifespan and healthspan, helping to uncover the complex relationship between RNA metabolism and aging-related changes in the nervous system.

Dr. Eve Marder's lab focuses on understanding how neurons and circuits in the nervous system maintain stability and resilience when faced with changes in their environment, like temperature shifts. By studying simple neural circuits in crabs, they aim to uncover general principles that apply to all nervous systems, including humans. Their research looks at how extreme conditions can disrupt normal functions and how prior experiences can influence these responses.

Dr. Avital Adah Rodal's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding how neurons communicate through specialized structures called periactive zones. These structures play critical roles in neuronal functions such as synaptic transmission and are linked to various neurological disorders. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques and genetic models to investigate the assembly and function of periactive zones in both simple and complex nervous systems, hoping to uncover insights that can help develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Piali Sengupta's lab at Brandeis University studies how sensory neurons in the nematode C. elegans detect internal signals related to digestive processes. The research focuses on the mechanisms of sensory neuron function and how these neurons adapt their structure and activity based on environmental experiences. By using a simple model organism, the lab aims to uncover fundamental principles that could also apply to more complex organisms, including humans.

Dr. Leslie C. Griffith's lab at Brandeis University studies how lack of sleep affects our ability to form memories. They investigate the molecular and circuit-level changes that occur during sleep deprivation, using fruit flies as a model organism. This research aims to uncover the mechanics of memory impairment due to sleep loss and to explore potential solutions to mitigate these effects.

Dr. Bruce L. Goode's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding how the actin cytoskeleton, a crucial component of cells, is regulated and how it interacts with other structures within cells. The researchers use advanced techniques to study dynamic changes in actin in real time, which is essential for important processes like cell movement and division. By exploring how mutations in genes related to actin dynamics contribute to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, the lab aims to uncover insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Paul Garrity's lab at Brandeis University studies how insects detect sugars and regulate their behaviors through internal clocks. They explore molecular mechanisms in fruit flies and mosquitoes, focusing on how sensory receptors work and how circadian rhythms affect feeding patterns. This research is important not just for understanding insect biology, but also for finding ways to control disease transmission by mosquitoes.

Dr. Gina Turrigiano's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding how the brain maintains stable function during learning and experience. The research explores the mechanisms that allow neurons to adjust their activity levels, ensuring that they don't become overly excited or underactive. Key investigations involve how changes in sleep and wakefulness influence these processes, which are critical for memory and overall brain health. This work is significant for understanding neurological disorders related to circuit malfunction, such as epilepsy and PTSD.