Dr. Ulland's lab focuses on understanding how a substance called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) can impact the progression of Alzheimer's disease. They explore how BHB may alter brain pathology and cognition through its effects on the microbiome and immune response. This research is aimed at uncovering new therapeutic strategies to help combat Alzheimer's disease, which affects many older adults.

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. Junsu Kang's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how zebrafish can repair their hearts after injury. By studying the genetic and cellular mechanisms involved in this regeneration process, the lab aims to uncover potential strategies for healing hearts in humans, particularly after damage from disease or trauma. This innovative research could lead to groundbreaking treatments for heart diseases, which remain a leading cause of death worldwide.

Dr. Joan S Jorgensen's lab focuses on understanding key mechanisms that influence female fertility, particularly how specific proteins impact the development of ovarian follicles and the implantation of embryos. Through their research, the lab investigates the critical roles of Iroquois homeobox proteins in these processes, aiming to contribute to better understanding of fertility issues such as premature ovarian reserve loss and implantation failures. Ultimately, this research seeks to uncover strategies that might improve health outcomes related to female reproductive success.

Dr. Ricki J. Colman's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how specific dietary changes can promote healthy aging and combat age-related diseases, particularly obesity and diabetes. Through research involving dietary amino acids, the lab aims to discover new nutritional interventions that can help restore metabolic health in older populations. Their work has important implications for improving the healthspan of aging individuals.

David T Evans' lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how natural killer (NK) cells recognize and respond to viral infections, particularly simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a model for HIV. The research explores the interactions between NK cell receptors and their ligands, aiming to uncover the mechanisms that enable NK cells to distinguish between infected and healthy cells. The findings may contribute significantly to the development of NK cell-based therapies for viral infections.

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. Jeffrey D. Hardin's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how cells shape and move during the early stages of embryonic development, particularly in the model organism, C. elegans. The lab investigates the interaction of various proteins that support cell adhesion and movement, which can shed light on issues like birth defects and cancer mechanistically. By studying how cells rearrange themselves and maintain their structural integrity, this research aims to uncover important biological processes relevant to human health.

Barak Blum's research lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding the islets of Langerhans, which play a critical role in insulin regulation and diabetes. The lab explores how changes in cell communication and tissue architecture during islet expansion impact their ability to function properly, especially in the context of type 2 and gestational diabetes. By investigating the Slit-Robo signaling pathway, the lab aims to uncover new ways to promote healthy islet function and improve glucose regulation in people at risk of diabetes.

Dr. Pamela Kreeger's lab focuses on understanding how certain changes in the ovarian cancer environment can lead to the rapid spread of cancer cells. They study the extracellular matrix of the omentum, a fatty tissue in the abdomen, to see how it can become a supportive environment for tumors before they metastasize. The lab aims to identify factors that contribute to these changes and hopes to discover new treatment strategies for ovarian cancer patients.

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. Susan M. Paskewitz's lab focuses on fighting diseases transmitted by insects, particularly in the Midwest, where tick and mosquito-borne illnesses are common. The lab is part of a regional center that brings together experts to improve how we prevent and control these diseases, especially as climate change alters insect behavior. Students in the lab will gain valuable experience in public health entomology and have opportunities to engage in community health education.

Dr. Aaron Matthew Lebeau's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on developing innovative treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease. The lab specifically explores the use of shark-derived proteins to create targeted therapies that can deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for patients. This research is significant due to the lack of effective therapies currently available for TNBC.

Dr. Adel M. Talaat's research lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding tuberculosis and its interactions with other infections, particularly COVID-19. The lab aims to improve the efficacy of tuberculosis vaccines using innovative mRNA technology and nanoparticle delivery systems. By studying these interactions in mouse models, the research could lead to better control strategies for both diseases, significantly impacting public health.

Dr. Emery H. Bresnick's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how specific genetic factors (GATA factors) regulate blood cell development. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control the behavior of blood stem cells and how genetic variations can lead to diseases like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Through innovative models and genetic assessments, the lab seeks to improve strategies for diagnosing and treating blood-related disorders.

Dr. Suresh's lab focuses on developing innovative vaccine adjuvants to improve long-lasting immune responses against respiratory infections caused by viruses and fungi. They study how certain immune cells can be trained to remember and fight off these pathogens effectively. The lab's research aims to create vaccines that not only target respiratory diseases but also enhance the body's memory against various infections, leading to better public health outcomes.

Dr. Matthew R. Reynolds' lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how different sizes of viral reservoirs influence the ability of people with HIV to control the virus after stopping treatment. Using a monkey model, his research aims to clarify the relationship between viral reservoirs, immune responses, and HIV recurrence. This work is crucial for developing effective strategies for HIV cure regimens.

Dr. Deneen Wellik's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies how different types of muscle cells contribute to muscle growth and repair. They focus on unique interstitial cells in muscles that may play a critical role beyond what was previously understood. This research could help us find better ways to treat muscle loss diseases, especially as people age.