Dr. Stephen J. Crocker's research focuses on understanding the immune system's role in globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), a severe genetic brain disorder. His lab investigates how CD8 T cells contribute to the disease's progression and pathology, utilizing mouse models and advanced genetic techniques. The aim is to uncover potential therapeutic targets to better manage or treat this devastating condition that currently lacks effective interventions.

Dr. Conrad C. Weihl's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind inclusion body myopathy, a serious muscle disease. The research investigates how protein aggregates might spread between muscle fibers and cause degeneration, with potential applications for new therapies. By studying muscle tissues affected by this disease, the lab aims to clarify the links between different types of protein abnormalities and develop strategies to interrupt their harmful spread.

Dr. Pramod K Dash's research lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how inflammation affects brain injuries, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI). The lab investigates the role of a neuropeptide called CART in controlling inflammation and its potential to enhance recovery after a TBI. By examining both central and peripheral inflammation processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve cognitive outcomes for individuals affected by brain injuries.

Dr. Carson J. Ingo's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how changes in white matter in the brain affect cognitive function after a stroke, particularly in older adults and underserved populations. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to examine the relationships between brain structure and cognitive outcomes, aiming to identify new ways to improve recovery and treatment strategies for stroke-related cognitive impairments.

Robert Fettiplace's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies the molecular mechanisms that control hearing, particularly focusing on the hair cells in the inner ear. They investigate how specific proteins affect hearing functions and how mutations can lead to hearing loss. The research combines advanced techniques in genetics and electrophysiology to better understand both healthy and damaged hair cells, potentially leading to new insights into hearing impairment treatments.

Dr. Nicole Calakos's lab at Duke University studies how a specific biochemical pathway influences the brain's ability to adapt and learn. They focus on how the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) affects the functioning of certain neurons involved in behaviors and memory. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies for conditions related to memory and neurological disorders.

Dr. David Roh's lab at Columbia University focuses on improving treatments for patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a severe type of stroke. They explore how to better diagnose coagulation issues that lead to ongoing bleeding and worse neurological outcomes in ICH patients. By using advanced blood tests and specialized assays, the lab aims to develop more precise treatments that can prevent complications and improve patient recovery.

Dr. Carlos M. Isales's lab is focused on understanding the biological processes involved in muscle and bone loss as we age. Through studying the effects of a substance called kynurenine, the lab aims to identify how aging impacts our body's ability to maintain muscle strength and bone density. This research is particularly important for preventing falls and fractures in the elderly, ultimately looking to enhance their quality of life.

Dr. Wenqin Luo's lab at the University of Pennsylvania investigates how our brains perceive the sensation of itching and the associated behavior of scratching. They focus on the role of specific neurons in the brain that are activated during scratching and how these neurons can suppress the itch sensation. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and calcium imaging, the lab aims to uncover the neural circuits involved in mediating scratching responses and their implications for chronic conditions related to itch and pain.

Dr. William J. Jagust's lab focuses on understanding how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology are connected. The research investigates how changes in the BBB function can lead to cognitive decline and AD, aiming to clarify the sequence of events that trigger the disease. By combining advanced imaging techniques in humans with experiments in mouse models, the lab seeks to unravel the mechanisms linking BBB disruption with protein deposits related to AD.

Dr. Daoyun Ji's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how the brain enables observational learning, which is the process of learning by watching others. By studying the neural circuits involved, particularly the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind how we learn to navigate spaces and obtain rewards. This research has implications for understanding social learning and may provide insights into mental disorders where this type of learning is impaired.

Dr. Erik C.B. Johnson's research lab at Emory University focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease, particularly the less commonly studied early-onset cases that affect individuals under 65. By comparing the biological changes in early-onset Alzheimer's with later-onset and genetically inherited forms of the disease, the lab aims to uncover specific protein alterations that characterize these conditions. The ultimate goal is to improve diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for all forms of Alzheimer's disease, tailoring them for younger patients.

Dr. Yo-El S Ju's lab focuses on studying rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and its connections to more serious neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia. The team collects data from patients diagnosed with RBD to understand how they might transition to these conditions and to develop strategies for early intervention and treatment. The lab aims to enhance clinical trials for neuroprotective therapies, ultimately improving outcomes for those at risk of developing severe neurological disorders.

Dr. Robert G Kalb's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly those associated with the C9orf72 gene mutation. The research utilizes model organisms like C. elegans and mammalian neurons to explore how specific toxic proteins generated from the mutated gene cause neurodegeneration. The lab aims to identify protective pathways and potential drug targets to help treat this challenging and prevalent neurodegenerative disease.

Dr. Karl Kandler's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how specific neural circuits in the inferior colliculus, a critical part of the auditory system, are developed and function. The lab investigates how these circuits affect sound processing and contribute to hearing disorders, such as tinnitus and problems with speech perception, particularly when there are abnormalities in early-life auditory experiences. By exploring the synaptic connections and properties in these circuits, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to better interventions for auditory impairments in children.

Aimee Kao's research lab focuses on understanding the role of lysosomes in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab studies how specific protein fragments, known as PGRN species, influence the degradation of a harmful protein called TDP-43, especially as people age. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments for these age-related disorders.

Dr. Karla R. Kaun's lab investigates how alcohol affects the brain's reward circuits, particularly in comparison to natural rewards like sugar. By studying the simpler nervous system of fruit flies (Drosophila), the lab aims to uncover the cellular and molecular processes that lead to changes in reward perception and motivation due to alcohol consumption. This research could provide insights into the mechanisms behind addiction and maladaptive behavior related to alcohol and other rewards.

Dr. Paul J. Kenny's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding the interactions between HIV infection and opioid use disorder (OUD). The research examines how HIV affects brain function in regions involved in motivation, reward, and addiction, specifically looking at the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to increased vulnerability to opioids in HIV-infected individuals. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR gene editing, the lab aims to uncover new insights into how these two conditions exacerbate each other and influence behavior.

Adam Kepecs' lab focuses on understanding how certain brain circuits, specifically in the basal forebrain, influence attention and cognitive functions. The lab investigates a particular type of neuron that suppresses activity in other neurons to see how it affects our ability to maintain attention over time. Their research has potential implications for treating attention disorders and other cognitive issues related to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Ali Keshavarzian's lab focuses on understanding how alcohol use disorder affects inflammation in people living with HIV. They study the gut microbiota and how its balance can be disrupted by both HIV and alcohol, leading to further health complications. The lab also explores ways to enhance gut health using prebiotics that promote beneficial bacteria, potentially helping those affected by both alcohol misuse and HIV.