Dr. Zhude Tu's research lab focuses on understanding neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Using advanced imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET), the lab aims to develop new radiotracers to visualize critical receptors involved in inflammation. This work not only seeks to identify biomarkers for these conditions but also explores potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes.

Dr. Alan C Seifert's lab investigates how COVID-19 affects the brain, particularly in patients who experience ongoing neurological issues after recovering from the virus. This condition, known as neuroPASC, can include symptoms like memory problems, fatigue, and mood disorders. The lab uses advanced MRI techniques to study brain damage and aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this syndrome to aid in developing targeted treatments.

Dr. Paul A. Yushkevich's lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) by examining the brain's structure and pathology postmortem. The lab utilizes advanced imaging techniques to analyze how various pathological features, such as tau tangles and amyloid plaques, correlate with neuronal loss and cognitive decline. This research aims to improve the effectiveness of clinical trials for AD treatments by uncovering the complex relationships between different brain pathologies and their impact on neurodegeneration.

Dr. Alexander Opitz's lab focuses on advancing techniques for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to better treat psychiatric disorders. Using non-human primate models, the lab explores how real-time brain recordings can optimize TMS settings for individual patients. Their research aims to make TMS more effective through the identification of brain response markers and the development of closed-loop stimulation protocols.

Dr. Ajay Gupta's lab focuses on improving the understanding and assessment of stroke risk and Alzheimer’s Disease through advanced imaging technologies. Their research aims to identify specific features in carotid artery imaging that predict stroke and to explore the interactions between tau pathology and inflammation in Alzheimer's patients. This work is important for developing better prevention strategies for stroke and more effective treatments for Alzheimer's Disease.

Dr. Kim Butts Pauly's lab focuses on using transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive method to treat substance use disorders by targeting specific brain regions like the nucleus accumbens. The lab aims to improve the precision and safety of TUS in human studies while addressing the challenges of auditory effects that might interfere with results. By designing better testing methods and waveforms, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of TUS for neurological interventions and ultimately contribute to innovative treatments.

Dr. Sharmila Majumdar's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding osteoarthritis (OA), a painful joint condition that affects millions. The lab employs advanced imaging and biomechanics techniques to track and analyze joint health over time, aiming to improve early diagnosis and intervention strategies. By studying how joint degeneration progresses, they hope to develop better preventive treatments for OA, particularly targeting those at high risk.

Dr. Heath Devin Skinner's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on improving treatment outcomes for head and neck cancer, particularly by understanding how the protein p16 influences cancer cell responses to radiation therapy. Their research aims to identify molecular pathways that can lead to better precision medicine approaches, helping to determine which patients are likely to respond to specific treatments. By using advanced models and innovative techniques, the lab hopes to enhance therapeutic strategies and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Dr. Suleman Surti's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging techniques for enhanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. They develop innovative algorithms to refine the accuracy of PET images, particularly in challenging conditions like low radiation counts or when using non-standard isotopes. Additionally, their work on a specialized breast PET scanner aims to integrate molecular imaging with anatomical data to guide breast cancer treatment more effectively.

Dr. Thanh Nguyen's lab focuses on enhancing MRI techniques to better predict stroke risks associated with unstable carotid plaques. The research utilizes a novel imaging method called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to differentiate between dangerous hemorrhages and benign calcifications in arterial plaques. By improving the accuracy of stroke risk assessment through advanced imaging, the lab aims to contribute to more personalized and effective stroke prevention strategies.

Dr. Xiaofeng Yang's lab at Emory University focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to improve cancer treatments, particularly stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung tumors. Their research aims to enhance the precision of radiation delivery by enabling real-time tracking of tumors during treatment, which is crucial given that tumors can move due to the patient's breathing. By using cutting-edge techniques in deep learning and imaging, the lab hopes to create systems that improve treatment accuracy and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes across various cancer types.

Dr. Robert S Miyaoka's lab at the University of Washington focuses on improving cancer treatment for neuroendocrine tumor patients through precision medicine. They are developing an innovative at-home device that allows patients to monitor their radiation exposure safely and conveniently, enabling personalized therapies based on individual measurements. The lab aims to make cancer treatments more effective while reducing side effects and the need for frequent hospital visits.

Dr. Amit Sawant's lab focuses on improving lung cancer radiotherapy by developing advanced motion management techniques that account for patients' breathing. They aim to enhance current treatment methods by creating a patient-specific model that captures the movement of tumors and nearby organs in real-time using advanced imaging technologies. By integrating this model into clinical practice, the goal is to deliver more precise radiation doses, minimizing harm to healthy tissues and improving patient outcomes.

David Richard Myers' lab at Emory University focuses on developing innovative medical devices, particularly for measuring brain pressure. They are creating a new type of implanted pressure sensor that uses ultrasound technology to provide more accurate and stable intracranial pressure readings. This research aims to improve patient outcomes for those with neurological conditions by overcoming the limitations of current pressure monitoring devices.

Dr. Janggun Jo’s lab focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer. By utilizing innovative photoacoustic imaging techniques combined with specialized nanoscale probes, the lab seeks to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of cancer detection, specifically targeting the aggressiveness of tumors. Their research aims to create a platform that could ultimately improve clinical procedures for prostate cancer diagnosis, ensuring better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Despina Kontos leads a research lab focused on improving cancer treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly through the development of new diagnostic tools. The lab investigates how to use advanced imaging techniques to better understand tumor characteristics and predict patient responses to immunotherapy. By combining radiomic signatures with established biomarkers, the lab aims to enhance patient stratification and clinical outcomes in cancer management.

Dr. Akhilesh K. Gaharwar's lab focuses on developing innovative biomaterials that can stimulate bone regeneration without the need for external growth factors. They study nanosilicate nanoparticles, which are materials that can promote the body’s own ability to heal bone injuries. The aim is to create new treatments that are safer and more effective for patients with craniofacial bone defects, enhancing recovery from trauma or surgery.

Dr. Yan Sanders' lab focuses on understanding and addressing the effects of cellular aging in the lungs of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). They explore how epigenetic factors contribute to lung cell senescence, which leads to inflammation and decreased lung function. The research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies by targeting specific proteins that influence gene expression in aged lung cells, ultimately improving treatment for CF patients.

Dr. Kevin Michael Dean's lab focuses on understanding how cells communicate and behave through advanced imaging technologies. By developing innovative tools such as high-resolution light-sheet microscopes and biosensors, the lab aims to make complex cellular signaling accessible to a wider range of researchers. They emphasize training and collaboration to democratize these advanced techniques and enhance biological discovery.

David Vorp's lab focuses on innovative approaches to regenerative medicine, using advanced techniques to attach extracellular vesicles (EVs) to biomaterials like silk for tissue repair. Their research aims to harness these natural signals from stem cells to improve healing and support the development of new treatments for chronic wounds and other medical applications. By collaborating with industry partners, they aim to make these technologies more accessible for clinical use.