Dr. Ryoma Hattori's lab at the University of Florida studies how the brain processes visual information to understand numbers, a cognitive ability vital for many species including humans. The research focuses on neural circuits in the brain that help convert sensory inputs into numerical coding, investigating the mechanisms that might lead to problems like dyscalculia. Using advanced techniques like virtual reality tasks and calcium imaging, the lab examines how these processes occur and how they can be used to develop treatments for number-related disorders.

Dr. Stephen L. Hauser's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding the role of B cells in multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The team investigates how B cells contribute to the onset and progression of MS by studying samples from patients at different stages of the disease. They combine advanced imaging techniques, genetic analysis, and innovative antibody technologies to uncover the mechanisms that trigger MS and influence its progression, aiming to improve therapeutic strategies for patients.

Dr. David C. Hess's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how red blood cell dysfunction affects cognitive decline, particularly in conditions like vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. The team investigates whether improving red blood cell function through exercise and a conditioning technique can enhance brain health and potentially prevent cognitive issues in patients. Their research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies targeting red blood cells to tackle dementia effectively.

Dr. Andrew Maurer's research lab focuses on understanding the hippocampal-prefrontal cortical circuit, which is essential for cognitive function and is impaired in many psychiatric disorders. The lab aims to develop new ways to measure how this circuit operates, using both behavioral tasks in rodents and advanced neurophysiological techniques. By advancing these methodologies, the lab hopes to enhance the therapeutic development pipeline for mental health treatments, ultimately leading to better interventions for disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism.

Dr. Andre Antonio Fenton's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how memories are formed and stored in the brain, particularly through the study of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The research examines the mechanisms behind long-term memory, testing established theories on synaptic changes that occur during the learning process. By using techniques like optogenetics, the lab aims to investigate how specific neurons contribute to memory storage and what happens when these processes are disrupted.

Dr. Joel Voss's lab at the University of Chicago focuses on understanding how the human hippocampus contributes to forming and retrieving memories. By studying individuals with epilepsy and using advanced brain recording techniques, the lab investigates the brain's mechanisms during memory formation processes, especially regarding how memory is influenced by visual sampling. Their work aims to uncover insights that could lead to new treatments for memory-related disorders.

Dr. Elise Cope's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how new neurons in the hippocampus contribute to social memory. This research is particularly important for addressing social memory deficits found in various neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia. By studying the connections between these new neurons and specific brain regions, the lab aims to develop strategies to improve social interactions in affected individuals.

Dr. Steven Alan Goldman's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV affects the human brain, particularly how it leads to cognitive disorders. They employ unique mouse models that incorporate human brain cells to better study the effects of this virus, especially in conjunction with factors like drug addiction. The lab aims to uncover how HIV alters brain cell functions and contributes to cognitive problems in infected individuals.

Dr. Thomas Hnasko's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain contribute to behaviors related to addiction, particularly with opioids. His research investigates novel neuron types in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and their roles in drug reinforcement and withdrawal symptoms. By studying these neural circuits, the lab aims to identify new targets for therapeutic interventions in opioid use disorder and other addictions.

David M. Holtzman’s lab at Washington University focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how T cells, microglia, and the APOE gene interact to exacerbate tau-related neurodegeneration. Researchers in this lab investigate both innate and adaptive immune responses in the brain and their contributions to the pathology of tau aggregation and neurodegeneration. The goal is to find new therapeutic targets that can slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Dr. Michael J. Howell's research lab focuses on understanding a sleep disorder that can predict the onset of serious neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. The lab studies how certain antidepressants can uncover early signs of brain deterioration in patients with a condition called REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Through advanced imaging techniques and skin biopsies, the team aims to identify early markers of neurodegeneration, which can help in developing therapies to slow down disease progression.

Dr. Allyn C. Howlett's lab investigates how cannabinoid receptors function in the brain, particularly focusing on a protein called CRIP1a that interacts with these receptors. This research seeks to better understand the mechanisms behind receptor signaling and how they could influence neurological health and disease, including conditions like epilepsy and mental health disorders. By studying the interplay between cannabinoid receptors and CRIP1a, the lab aims to uncover insights that may lead to selective therapeutic targets.

Josh Huang's lab at Duke University focuses on developing innovative RNA-based technologies to analyze and manipulate brain cell types across different vertebrate species. Their research aims to improve our understanding of neural circuits and how they contribute to behaviors and cognitive functions. By creating scalable tools for targeted gene therapy and studying cell types in various animals, the lab hopes to advance neuroscience and address neuropsychiatric disorders, ultimately transforming our approach to brain research.

Dr. Kimberly M. Huber's lab investigates how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects males and females differently, particularly through the lens of brain circuitry. By using mouse models, the lab explores the role of certain genes, like Pten, in creating sex-specific brain function and sensory processing challenges. Their research aims to illuminate how these differences may impact behavior and brain connectivity, providing insights that could inform future treatments for ASD.

Dr. Rafiq Huda's lab at Rutgers University is focused on understanding how the brain's arousal mechanisms interact with alcohol consumption behaviors. By studying the anterior cingulate cortex and its role in these interactions, the lab aims to uncover the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol use disorders. Through advanced techniques like two-photon imaging and optogenetics, research conducted here seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies for treating alcohol abuse.

Dr. Sommer Huffmaster's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease. The research explores how transitions in movement—like starting to walk or turning—become impaired in some individuals, leading to freezing episodes. By investigating the brain systems involved, the lab aims to uncover treatments that can improve mobility and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Hyacinth Idu Hyacinth's lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding how small blood vessel diseases in the brain contribute to racial disparities in cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment. They explore how genetic and vascular risk factors differ among racial groups, particularly between Black and White Americans, and how these differences influence the likelihood of developing dementia. Their ultimate goal is to identify high-risk populations to tailor prevention and treatment strategies.

Dr. Rong Zhang's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how treating high blood pressure can affect brain health in older adults, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how lowering blood pressure can influence brain amyloid and tau levels, which are linked to dementia, as well as brain blood flow and overall cognitive function. The lab's research aims to provide insights that could lead to new methods for preventing and treating dementia in aging populations.

Dr. Kamal Rahmouni's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hypertension, particularly how the brain regulates blood pressure under different conditions like obesity. They study unique structures in neurons called primary cilia, and how these cilia may contribute to high blood pressure and fluid balance. The lab uses advanced technologies to observe and manipulate brain neuron activity to gain insights into hypertension, aiming to develop new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Subhash C. Sinha's lab focuses on discovering new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the immune system's response to tau pathology, a key factor in memory loss. The research aims to develop small molecule inhibitors of a protein called cGAS, which plays a role in neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's. By investigating these inhibitors, the lab hopes to identify therapeutic strategies that can reduce cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease.