Dr. Peter Hamilton's research lab focuses on how specific brain proteins, known as transcription factors, influence behaviors related to drug addiction. By using innovative synthetic biology techniques, they explore the differences between how stimulants and opioids affect the brain, particularly in a region called the nucleus accumbens. Their work aims to identify new treatment targets for drug addiction, potentially leading to better medications.

Dr. Michael P. Nusbaum's research focuses on how hormones influence specific neural circuit states. By studying the stomatogastric ganglion in crabs, his lab investigates how different hormones modulate the activity of neural circuits that control chewing and food passage. This research not only advances our understanding of hormonal effects on brain function but also sheds light on the complexities of neural circuits in various behavioral states.

Dr. Andres F. Oberhauser's lab studies how aging affects muscle proteins, particularly focusing on myosin and its chaperone UNC-45. As people age, they can lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia, which impacts their quality of life. His research aims to understand the molecular changes to myosin and UNC-45 that contribute to sarcopenia using advanced techniques in both lab and animal models.

Dr. Rachel A. Ross's lab at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine focuses on understanding the complex relationship between obesity and cognitive function. The research explores how specific brain circuits, particularly those involving melanocortin peptides, influence feeding behavior and body weight regulation. By studying these mechanisms in mice, the lab aims to identify new targets for obesity treatment that can improve both physical health and cognitive abilities.

Dr. Karl H. Obrietan's lab focuses on understanding how circadian rhythms affect brain functions, particularly in areas related to mood, memory, and decision-making. They investigate how the brain's internal clock interacts with different brain circuits and how disruptions in this timing can lead to neurological disorders. By using innovative techniques, including advanced imaging and genetic models, the lab aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these processes and their implications for treatment.

Dr. Sandeep Khot's lab focuses on improving the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in stroke patients. The research aims to enhance adherence to CPAP therapy through tailored behavioral interventions. By optimizing this treatment, the lab seeks to improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risks associated with stroke, such as recurrent strokes and cardiovascular events.

Dr. Michael Okun's lab focuses on understanding and improving treatments for Tourette Syndrome, particularly through innovative technologies like deep brain stimulation (DBS). They aim to identify brain regions involved in tic control and develop personalized DBS systems that respond to patients' needs. The research has significant implications for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with this disorder.

Dmitry Rinberg's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how the brain processes smells and how this ability can be harnessed for medical diagnostics. They investigate the neural mechanisms involved in odor perception and how specific smells can indicate various health conditions. Using advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to explore the connections between nerve cells in the olfactory system and how these contribute to disease detection. By doing so, they hope to uncover fundamental principles of olfaction while also paving the way for innovative diagnostic tools.

Dr. Krishnan Padmanabhan's lab at the University of Rochester studies how the brain processes smells and the role of neural circuits in behavior and memory. One focus is on how feedback from the hippocampus influences the main olfactory bulb, which is essential for detecting odors. The lab also researches stem cell therapies to understand how transplanted neural cells integrate into the brain, aiming to improve treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Dr. Jonathan Raper's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies how the olfactory system is wired during embryo development. They focus on how sensory neurons, responsible for detecting smells, navigate and connect to specific targets in the brain's olfactory bulb. Using zebrafish as a model, the lab explores molecular signals that guide these neurons, which could lead to new treatments for conditions that impair the sense of smell, such as aging or certain genetic disorders.

Dr. Christina Maria Zelano's research focuses on understanding how the human brain processes smells, specifically how it distinguishes between different odors based on their intensity and identity. By recording electrical signals from the olfactory cortex during odor perception, the lab aims to bridge the gap between brain activity and how we consciously experience smells. This work not only enhances our comprehension of the olfactory system's functioning but can also provide insights into neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that are linked to these brain areas.

Dr. Puneet Opal's lab at Northwestern University focuses on the cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) and Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN). The lab explores how early developmental changes in the brain lead to movement disorders and neuronal death, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies. Through advanced mouse models and molecular techniques, they examine the roles of specific proteins and cellular processes that contribute to these diseases.

Dr. Jamie Peters' lab focuses on developing new treatments for opioid use disorder, a serious addiction problem. They are studying a novel compound called tabernanthalog, which helps reduce drug-seeking behavior without the side effects seen in similar drugs. The lab investigates how this compound works in the brain to promote healing and reduce relapse in addiction.

Dr. Kirill A. Martemyanov's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how opioids impact brain circuitry and behavior, particularly regarding addiction and pain relief. The research investigates the molecular mechanisms that can separate the beneficial analgesic effects of opioids from their addictive properties, aiming to find new ways to prevent opioid dependence. By targeting specific neural circuits and receptors, the lab seeks to develop treatments that minimize the risk of addiction while maintaining effective pain management.

Dr. Patrick Rothwell's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how certain brain cells interact with opioid signaling, particularly in a region called the nucleus accumbens. They aim to develop new therapies for opioid use disorders by targeting the degradation of specific peptides involved in opioid signals. The research not only seeks to inform potential treatments but also uncovers how opioid exposure alters the brain's wiring, potentially leading to addiction and relapse.

Dr. James P. Orengo's lab at Baylor College of Medicine investigates the mechanisms underlying Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a neurodegenerative disease that leads to severe motor dysfunction and premature death. The lab focuses on the role of motor neurons, which control muscle activities, in the progression of SCA1, seeking to distinguish their degeneration from that of cerebellar neurons. By using specialized mouse models, the team aims to uncover crucial molecular changes and identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve the quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Dr. Nuo Li's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how brain circuits control rhythmic movements related to the mouth and face, such as swallowing and breathing. By studying these circuits, the lab aims to uncover the reasons behind dangerous problems like choking, which can occur in children and the elderly. Through advanced techniques like electrophysiology, the lab investigates the neural pathways involved in these critical behaviors to pave the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Bridget Ostrem's lab at UCSF focuses on developing new treatments for premature infants suffering from white matter injury, a common and serious type of brain damage. The lab uses innovative screening methods to find compounds that can promote the repair of damaged brain cells and conduct clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of these treatments. This research aims to provide effective therapies for conditions like cerebral palsy and learning disabilities that can arise from these injuries.

Dr. James M Otis's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina studies how brain circuits are affected by alcohol and opioid use, particularly focusing on their role in motivating drug-seeking behaviors. They use cutting-edge techniques to track neuron activity and analyze the genetic makeup of specific neuronal groups involved in addiction. Their aim is to deepen our understanding of addiction disorders and develop potential treatments.

Dr. Pembe Hande Ozdinler's lab focuses on developing new treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. Their key compound, NU-9, shows promise in reducing harmful protein aggregation and improving neuron health. The lab explores how NU-9 works at a cellular level, aiming to enhance neuronal function, survival, and overall brain health through innovative drug discovery.