Kamran Avanaki's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin disease that affects many people. The research involves developing an innovative imaging system that combines photoacoustic and ultrasound technologies to create detailed 3D images of HS lesions. This system aims to enhance clinical assessments, leading to more accurate treatment plans and a better understanding of the disease.

Dr. Andreas A Linninger's research lab focuses on understanding how age and Alzheimer's disease affect blood flow and metabolism in the brain. By using advanced imaging techniques and computational modeling, the lab aims to create detailed simulations linking changes observed in mouse models to conditions in humans. This research seeks to identify biomarkers that could predict cognitive decline and improve diagnostic methods for Alzheimer’s disease.

David Eddington's lab focuses on understanding how the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis, acquires antibiotic resistance through genetic transformation. The lab utilizes microfluidics technology to study bacteria in small environments, enabling detailed examination of how genetic material is exchanged between bacterial cells. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop better strategies for combating bacterial infections that have become increasingly resistant to current treatment methods.

Dr. Salman Khetani's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding and treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by studying how different components of the liver's environment influence the behavior of liver cells. The lab creates engineered systems that mimic the liver environment, allowing researchers to discover how changes in cell composition and stiffness affect liver cell function and disease progression. Their ultimate goal is to develop new therapies to combat liver diseases that are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Dr. Kejia Cai's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By using a novel pig model that imitates human cancer characteristics, the lab explores advanced imaging techniques that can help determine tumor aggressiveness and guide better patient care. Their work has the potential to refine how we diagnose and manage liver cancer through noninvasive methods.

Dr. Beatriz Penalver Bernabe's lab focuses on understanding how maternal gut microorganisms affect perinatal depression, a condition that can impact mothers and infants significantly. By studying the interactions between maternal biological systems and gut bacteria, the lab aims to uncover predictive markers for depression during and after pregnancy. This research not only seeks to enhance knowledge about mental health but also aims to improve treatment and prevention strategies for affected women, particularly from marginalized groups.