Dr. Silvia Mangia's lab focuses on understanding how brain function is affected by aging, specifically in relation to blood flow and metabolism. They develop and use innovative neuroimaging techniques to measure important brain metrics like oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as pH, to see how these change in aging individuals. The goal is to uncover how these changes contribute to cognitive decline and to identify potential interventions for preserving brain health in older adults.

Dr. David J. Odde's laboratory focuses on engineering innovative solutions for improving cancer immunotherapy, particularly for challenging cancers like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma. By developing a multiscale tumor simulator, this team predicts tumor dynamics and the interaction between cancer cells and immune cells, guiding the development of more effective immunotherapies. The lab combines expertise in biomedical engineering, immunology, and genetic engineering to create a robust platform for cancer research and treatment.

Dr. Wei Chen's lab focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to study how energy metabolism in the brain changes in different health conditions. They use cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tools to explore how brain energy production and metabolism are affected by aging, neurological disorders, and tumors. The goal is to create non-invasive methods that can help us better understand and diagnose brain diseases.

Dr. Jutta M Ellermann's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on improving knee imaging techniques using advanced 7 Tesla (7T) MRI technology. The aim is to develop and optimize methods that will enhance the diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis, especially related to meniscal root tears. The lab combines engineering with biomedical research to explore the full capabilities of 7T MRI, which could significantly impact patient treatment and outcomes.

Dr. Gulin Oz's research lab focuses on understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, particularly how the disease impacts the central nervous system (CNS). By employing advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and spectroscopy, the lab aims to investigate the underlying biology of prolonged neurological symptoms experienced by COVID-19 survivors. This work seeks to provide insights that may lead to better care and treatment strategies for those affected by these lasting health issues.

Dr. Jonathan N Sachs' lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on innovative cell therapies to tackle neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By engineering macrophages from human stem cells, they aim to enhance the body’s ability to clear out damaging proteins and reduce inflammation in the brain. Their research integrates advanced genetic engineering techniques to create immune cells that can effectively target and manage Alzheimer's pathology.

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. Kamil Ugurbil's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how different parts of the brain connect and communicate with each other. By mapping these connections in detail, they aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms that support behaviors and cognitive functions, such as decision-making and attention. Their innovative approach combines advanced imaging techniques and anatomical studies on both human and nonhuman primate brains.

Dr. David Kevin Wood's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing new ways to measure and understand sickle cell disease (SCD) through biomarkers. They aim to find specific cells' properties that can predict clinical outcomes to improve patient care and treatment strategies. By combining biochemical and mechanical measurements of red blood cells, the lab is paving the way for more effective monitoring and therapy for SCD patients.

Dr. Xiaoping Wu's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on advancing MRI technology to allow deeper insights into the human brain. By working with ultrahigh magnetic fields, the lab develops innovative tools to achieve much clearer images of brain function than current methods allow. This research could significantly impact our understanding of how the brain works, particularly in health and disease.