Dr. Lawrence Anthony David's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how consumption of ultra-processed foods affects health. They are developing a groundbreaking genomic tool called FoodSeq, which analyzes plant DNA in stool samples to provide an objective measure of dietary intake. This research could change how we assess diet and its impacts on diseases like obesity and diabetes, thereby informing more effective public health policies.

Dr. Nicholas Heaton's lab at Duke University studies how influenza viruses affect lung health and fetal development during pregnancy. The team focuses on the role of specific proteins in controlling inflammation caused by these viruses, particularly looking at how the immune response can go awry and has implications for health outcomes. Their research could lead to new treatments that limit disease severity in infected individuals and protect developing fetuses from maternal infections.

Dr. Hiroaki Matsunami's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how olfactory receptors (ORs) work, particularly in recognizing different smells. They aim to enhance the expression of these receptors to study their structure and interactions with odorants, which can have implications in various physiological processes. The research utilizes a blend of experimental techniques and computational modeling to explore how ORs function and interact with small molecules, potentially leading to new discoveries in the field of olfaction.

Thomas Petes' research lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to genome stability, particularly in relation to cancer. Using the yeast model *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, the lab investigates how mutations and genetic changes lead to genomic instability, which is a hallmark of tumor cells. Research aims include studying mutations related to DNA replication stress, exploring centromere recombination events, and mapping mutations induced by specific proteins to understand their roles in cancer development.

Dr. Joseph Heitman's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how certain fungi, particularly Cryptococcus and Mucor species, can cause infections in humans and develop resistance to antifungal drugs. His team investigates molecular pathways related to stress response and virulence, aiming to discover new therapeutic targets for these serious pathogens. The research is crucial for improving treatment strategies for infections that are particularly deadly in immunocompromised individuals like those with HIV/AIDS.

Dr. John F. Rawls' lab focuses on how gut microbes influence intestinal health and inflammation. By studying the interactions between the gut microbiota and intestinal cells, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. This research has the potential to inform new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treating intestinal infections and diseases.

Dr. Debra L. Silver's lab at Duke University studies how unique genetic features of humans affect brain development and function. They focus on special areas of DNA that control gene activity in the brain, particularly during the growth of neural stem cells. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to uncover the biological foundations of human intelligence and how they relate to neurological disorders.

David Tobin's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding tuberculosis, particularly how genetic factors influence the disease's development and progression. The lab studies the formation of granulomas, a key structure in TB infection, and how Mycobacterium tuberculosis interacts with the immune system. By using various animal models, including mice and zebrafish, the lab investigates the genetic basis of TB susceptibility and how bacterial traits contribute to disease dissemination.

Dr. Raphael H. Valdivia's lab at Duke University focuses on studying the beneficial gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila, which plays an important role in our metabolic and immune health. The lab investigates how this microbe binds to and utilizes mucin, a key component of our gut environment. By employing advanced genetic and proteomic techniques, researchers aim to uncover the detailed mechanisms behind mucin acquisition and digestion, which could enhance our understanding of probiotic therapies.