Dr. Minglei Guo's lab studies how HIV and cocaine affect brain cells, particularly focusing on a type of brain cell called microglia. They are investigating how disruptions in lipid metabolism may lead to neurological problems in people living with HIV, especially those who also use cocaine. Through their research, they aim to find new ways to improve the quality of life for these individuals by targeting the underlying mechanisms of their neurological symptoms.

Dr. Aisling Chaney's lab focuses on advancing our understanding of the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. The lab is developing a novel imaging technique using PET radiotracers specifically targeting THIK-1, a potassium channel found in microglia. This innovative approach aims to provide better insights into microglial activity and could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for neurological disorders.

Dr. Maria Giovanna Trivieri's lab focuses on understanding mitral valve prolapse, a common heart condition that can lead to serious problems like arrhythmias and heart failure. They use advanced PET/MRI imaging techniques to investigate how inflammation and fibrosis in the heart relate to the severity and risk of arrhythmic events in patients. The ultimate goal is to develop better diagnostic tools that can help clinicians assess and manage patients with this condition more effectively.

Dr. Michael Moffitt's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on using light to treat chronic pain through a technique called photobiomodulation (PBM). The lab investigates how specific wavelengths of light can temporarily block pain signals in nerves, exploring the underlying biological mechanisms and working towards developing implantable devices for clinical use. Their research aims to enhance understanding of nerve function and pain relief, ultimately contributing to better pain management therapies.

Dr. Amy Catherine Moreno's lab focuses on improving the oral health of patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. They aim to understand and mitigate the dental problems that can arise post-treatment, such as tooth loss and infections. By using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data models, the lab seeks to develop better diagnostic and management strategies for these oral complications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Dr. Olivier Morin's lab focuses on improving treatment strategies for brain metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. They are developing a personalized approach to predict brain metastases using advanced MRI techniques, aiming to minimize radiation exposure to healthy brain tissue. This research combines data from many patients to create a tailored treatment that can enhance patient survival and quality of life while reducing side effects from radiation therapy.

Dr. Evan D. Morris's lab at Yale University focuses on understanding how specific brain receptors affect behaviors associated with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Through advanced imaging techniques and machine learning, the lab studies the imbalance between Mu and Kappa opioid receptors in the brain and how this impacts cravings and recovery outcomes for individuals trying to quit drinking. By identifying these relationships, the research aims to inform better treatment strategies for AUD.

Dr. Melanie A Morrison's lab focuses on enhancing the success of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease patients. They are developing advanced MRI techniques to reliably predict how well patients will respond to DBS. By using a combination of different MRI imaging modalities, they aim to better inform doctors on which patients are the best candidates for this therapy, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and reduced risks of side effects.

Dr. Bobak Mosadegh's lab focuses on improving the care of dialysis patients by using artificial intelligence to screen for problems in their blood vessels. Specifically, they are working on a technology that listens to sounds from a digital stethoscope to detect issues like stenosis in arteriovenous fistulas, which are critical for providing dialysis. By validating this AI tool against traditional imaging methods, the goal is to enhance patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions.

Dr. Daniel Charles Castro's lab focuses on understanding how natural opioids in the brain influence motivation and behavior. They explore the role of specific regions in the midbrain that respond to these opioids, particularly looking at how they can both enhance and suppress motivated behaviors like eating and escaping threats. This research aims to provide insights into mental health conditions where motivation is affected, potentially identifying new treatment targets.

Dr. R. Todd Constable's lab at Yale University is focused on advancing MRI technology and understanding the brain's functions and dysfunctions, particularly in relation to neuropsychiatric symptoms from infections like COVID-19. The lab works on making MRI more accessible through innovative low-cost systems, while also researching the brain circuits involved in cognitive and behavioral changes after illness. By merging neuroscience with advanced imaging techniques, they aim to develop better diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with complex neurological disorders.

Dr. Dariya Malyarenko's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on enhancing the accuracy of MRI diffusion imaging in oncology. The team develops correction tools to address biases in diffusion metrics caused by different MRI scanner designs, improving the reliability of cancer diagnosis and treatment assessments. Their work supports multi-center clinical trials, ensuring consistent and precise data across various medical imaging platforms, which is critical for effective cancer management.

Dr. Philip Santangelo's lab at Emory University focuses on developing innovative mRNA-based treatments for viral infections, including respiratory viruses and HIV. Their research aims to create effective antiviral therapies using a programmable RNA-targeting enzyme called Cas13, which can specifically degrade viral RNA. By exploring new ways to deliver these therapies, particularly to the female reproductive tract, they hope to enhance the prevention and treatment of infections like influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV.

Dr. Jae Mo Park's lab focuses on understanding muscular dystrophy, specifically Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, which are genetic disorders that affect muscle strength and heart function. The lab is developing new non-invasive imaging techniques using MRI to identify early metabolic changes in patients, which could lead to better monitoring and treatment options for these conditions. By studying how energy is used in skeletal muscle and the heart, the lab aims to create biomarkers that can help track the progression of muscular dystrophy and improve patient care.

Dr. Brian D. Ross leads a research lab focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of myelofibrosis, a serious blood cancer. The lab is developing advanced MRI techniques to create noninvasive biomarkers that can better monitor the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of new targeted therapies. By integrating innovative imaging methods with cutting-edge treatment strategies, they aim to enhance patient management and outcomes for those suffering from this chronic illness.

Dr. Deepak Nagrath's research lab at the University of Michigan investigates how pancreatic cancer interacts with its surrounding environment to influence tumor growth and progression. The lab aims to understand the unique role of stromal cells in supporting cancer metabolism, particularly focusing on branched chain amino acids. By exploring these interactions, they hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies for treating pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Veena A. Nair's lab focuses on understanding the brain changes that occur after a stroke and how these changes can lead to cognitive impairments and dementia. The lab conducts research using advanced MRI techniques and machine learning to identify and model the complex interactions between various risk factors, including socioeconomic status and brain health, following a stroke. By studying underrepresented communities, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for stroke survivors at risk of developing cognitive deficits.

Dr. Jai Rudra's lab focuses on developing innovative vaccines using self-assembling nanofibers that can help combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab's approach uses specially designed peptides that form non-toxic nanofibers, encouraging the body to generate immune responses without the harmful side effects often seen with traditional vaccines. By studying how these nanofibers interact with the immune system, the lab aims to create safer and more effective therapies for these critical health challenges affecting aging populations.

Dr. Raghuraman Kannan's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle technologies to treat drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The team aims to create targeted nanoparticles that can knock down specific proteins responsible for cancer cell survival, overcoming resistance to traditional therapies. Their research combines engineering, biology, and clinical relevance, working towards future therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Efstathios Karathanasis's lab focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle-based therapies to improve cancer treatment, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease. The lab's research aims to reprogram the tumor microenvironment to enhance the immune response against tumors, using a combination of advanced nanoparticle techniques and immune system manipulation. By targeting specific immune checkpoints and using novel delivery methods, their work seeks to transform cancer immunotherapy and prevent tumor recurrence.