Dr. Matthew R. Banghart's lab focuses on creating innovative tools that allow scientists to control neural activity in specific brain regions. By developing light-activated drugs known as photocaged DREADD agonists, the lab aims to improve methods for silencing brain cell activity with high precision. This research could enhance our understanding of how neural activity relates to behavior and has the potential for broad application in neuroscience studies.

Dr. A. M. Barrett's lab focuses on understanding how medication self-administration (MSA) can indicate early signs of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's Disease. By studying individuals in the Framingham Heart Study, the lab aims to link errors in medication management and self-assessment of these abilities to cognitive decline and brain health. Their research has significant implications for improving caregiving practices and adjusting healthcare approaches for the aging population.

Dr. Antoni Barrientos' lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding the assembly of mitochondrial complexes, which are critical for energy production in our cells. The team studies how proteins of different origins come together to form these complexes and how disruptions in this process can lead to various diseases, including neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. They utilize advanced techniques like gene editing and cryo-electron microscopy to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind mitochondrial biogenesis in both yeast and human cells.

Dr. Ilia V Baskakov's lab focuses on understanding how certain brain cells, called microglia and astrocytes, respond during prion diseases, which are severe neurodegenerative disorders that are currently untreatable. His research aims to uncover the roles these cells play in disease progression and whether they can be targeted for potential therapies. By studying how these cells behave in prion-infected models, the lab hopes to identify new strategies to slow down or improve the course of these diseases.

Dr. Jayeeta Basu's lab at NYU School of Medicine focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in memory and how they are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). By studying specific types of inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets to improve memory function in patients suffering from early stages of AD. The research combines advanced techniques in neuroscience, including imaging and electrophysiology, to explore the resilience and vulnerability of these circuits in both animal models and human brain samples.

Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan's lab at LSU Health Sciences Center focuses on understanding how photoreceptor cells in the retina maintain their integrity and function over time, particularly in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The research aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which essential fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and its derivatives, protect retinal cells from damage. By exploring these cellular processes, the lab hopes to inform new therapeutic approaches for AMD, which is a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Dr. Beau Ances' lab focuses on understanding the brain's health and function as people age. Their work includes studying brain connectivity in older adults to find out what factors contribute to resilience or vulnerability to diseases like Alzheimer's. Another area of research investigates how cannabis use affects brain health and cognitive performance in individuals living with HIV. Overall, the lab combines techniques in neuroimaging and psychological assessment to explore important connections between lifestyle, health, and brain function.

Dr. Erin Savner Beck's lab focuses on understanding how multiple sclerosis affects the brain, specifically looking at cortical lesions that are often overlooked in standard imaging. The lab utilizes advanced MRI technology to study these lesions in newly diagnosed MS patients and investigates their relationship to disability progression. The findings aim to enhance our knowledge of MS and contribute to potential new treatments.

Dr. Patricia Grigson's lab focuses on understanding addiction, particularly to cocaine, and explores early interventions to prevent substance use disorders. Using animal models, the research aims to identify behavioral responses to drug cues and investigate how certain chemicals can alter these responses. The lab's goal is to reveal the underlying brain mechanisms associated with drug addiction and seek new ways to reduce cravings and the need for drugs early in the addiction process.

Dr. Michael Benatar's research lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding and preventing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The lab conducts a pioneering study called Pre-Symptomatic Familial ALS (Pre-fALS) that seeks to identify early markers of these diseases in individuals who are genetically at risk, with the aim of facilitating early intervention. By analyzing clinical data and biological samples, the lab aims to develop prevention strategies that can alter the course of these devastating neurodegenerative disorders before symptoms appear.

Dr. Frederick Bennett's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing innovative cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly leukodystrophies like Krabbe disease. The research aims to improve the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by engineering immune cells that can effectively replace damaged brain cells. By optimizing these techniques in animal models, the lab is paving the way for potential new treatments to help young patients suffering from this devastating condition.

Dr. Dwight E. Bergles' lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding a specific type of brain cell called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). These cells play critical roles in maintaining and repairing the brain's myelin, which is essential for proper neural signaling. The lab is developing advanced tools to study how these cells respond to aging and diseases like Alzheimer's, aiming to uncover their potential in promoting brain health and regeneration.

Dr. Joshua D. Berke's research lab at UCSF focuses on the brain's reward signaling systems, particularly how dopamine affects motivation and learning. By studying the nucleus accumbens, a key area for processing rewards, the lab aims to unravel the complexities of how dopamine signals influence behavior, decision-making, and learning in both animals and by extension, humans. The work also explores the role of the hippocampus in guiding intelligent choices based on past rewards and future possibilities.

Dr. Lilah Besser's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how urban environments, particularly heat exposure, affect cognitive health in older adults, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research aims to uncover the links between urban heat islands—areas with significantly higher temperatures due to human activity—and changes in cognitive function, brain structure, and dementia risk. By investigating the role of greenspaces in mitigating these effects, the lab seeks to inform public health interventions that promote healthier living environments.

Dr. Marla J Hamberger's lab focuses on improving language assessment tools for Spanish speakers undergoing evaluations for epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Currently, many of the existing tests are only available in English, leading to disparities in care for Spanish-speaking patients. By developing and validating Spanish language tests, the lab aims to ensure that bilingual patients receive the same quality of care as their English-speaking counterparts, ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes.

Dr. David Winland Sanders' lab at UT Southwestern focuses on understanding how RNA-rich structures in cells, known as biomolecular condensates, influence RNA homeostasis and their roles in diseases like ALS. By exploring the dynamics of these membraneless compartments, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind neuromuscular diseases caused by protein aggregates. The research combines insights from biophysics and cell biology to identify potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

Dr. James Bisley's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how specific brain areas control eye movements during visual tasks. They are particularly interested in how different regions of the brain, such as the frontal eye field and the lateral intraparietal area, interact to guide our gaze and help us search our environment effectively. Their research aims to clarify the roles of these areas which may ultimately help improve treatment options for patients with neurological disorders that affect vision and movement.

Dr. Ninian J Blackburn's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding how certain enzymes process peptides, which are crucial for creating hormones and therapeutic agents. Their research particularly emphasizes the role of copper in converting inactive pro-peptides into active forms, a vital step for drug development against cancer and infectious diseases. The lab employs advanced techniques to study these complex biochemical processes, aiming to uncover new insights that could lead to innovative treatments.

Dr. Seth Blackshaw's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how retinal progenitor cells develop and differentiate into various cell types in the retina. Through their research, they explore the genetic networks that control these processes and aim to find new ways to reprogram glial cells to generate neurons that are crucial for vision. Their work has important implications for developing therapies for vision restoration in diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Dr. Eliza Bliss-Moreau's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the effects of aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) by studying nonhuman primates. The lab develops tools to measure cognitive and emotional health in these animals, exploring how changes in the brain affect memory and emotion. Their research aims to improve early detection of cognitive decline and advance potential treatments for age-related diseases.