Dr. Anil Shanker leads a research lab at Meharry Medical College focused on advancing genomic research to address chronic diseases that disproportionately affect various communities. The lab is dedicated to building infrastructure for genomic studies and creating strong partnerships with local universities and community organizations. Their work aims to enhance understanding of genetic factors in inflammatory diseases and improve public health through community engagement and education.

Drew Kiraly's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome influences cocaine addiction and relapse. They study how changes in gut bacteria can alter brain function and behavior, particularly in relation to drug-seeking behavior after abstinence. By exploring the connections between gut health and addiction, the lab aims to develop new strategies for treating substance use disorders.

Wenhui Hu's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on developing innovative gene therapies to eliminate the HIV virus from infected cells, with a particular emphasis on brain and immune cells. They utilize advanced techniques in genome editing, specifically CRISPR/Cas systems, to create targeted delivery mechanisms that effectively reach HIV reservoirs in the body. Through their research, they hope to contribute to finding a permanent cure for HIV and addressing associated cognitive disorders.

Dr. Jie Gao's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease and the regulatory mechanisms of a protein called IDOL, which affects the functioning of key receptors in the brain. By exploring how IDOL influences the metabolism of lipoproteins like ApoE and their role in brain health, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for combating Alzheimer's. This research is essential in the search for effective treatments for this debilitating condition.

The research lab led by Dr. Gil Dan Rabinovici at UCSF focuses on improving the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Their work seeks to validate accessible biomarkers and cognitive tests, particularly for underrepresented populations, to enhance diagnostic precision and inclusivity. Through collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, they aim to develop scalable approaches to identify individuals who may benefit from disease-modifying therapies.

Dr. Jerzy Szaflarski's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham specializes in understanding how neuroinflammation relates to temporal lobe epilepsy using advanced imaging techniques. The lab focuses on a new method known as magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and thermometry (MRSI-t) to visualize brain temperature changes, which can indicate underlying inflammation. By studying these processes, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for individuals with epilepsy.

Dr. Laura A. Volpicelli-Daley's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the cognitive impairments associated with Lewy body dementias, such as Parkinson's Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The research investigates how genetic mutations in the GBA1 gene and lipid metabolites like glucosylsphingosine contribute to cognitive decline and aims to identify new therapeutic strategies. By using mouse models and brain tissue analysis, the lab explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodegenerative diseases and their effects on brain function.

Dr. Eliza C. Miller's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or preterm birth, relate to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in mothers later in life. By using data from a large study of pregnant women and advanced brain imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover biological pathways that link these pregnancy outcomes to brain health.

Dr. James J. Knierim's lab explores the role of the hippocampus in learning and memory, particularly how its function may change with aging and in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Using rodent models, the lab studies how different parts of the hippocampus contribute to memory processing and how age-related changes impact cognitive functions. Their research aims to uncover mechanisms underlying memory deficits to help develop potential therapeutic interventions for age-related cognitive decline.

Dr. Roger L. Clem's lab focuses on understanding how the brain processes conflicting memories of threat and safety, particularly through the role of specific neurons in the hippocampus. The research aims to uncover mechanisms behind fear memory extinction, which is essential for overcoming trauma. By studying these processes, the lab hopes to contribute insights that can improve therapeutic approaches for individuals dealing with pathological fear, such as those suffering from anxiety and PTSD.

Dr. Denise Jade Cai's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how our memories are linked together, especially how strong negative experiences can change the way we recall past neutral events. They study the brain circuits involved in memory using advanced techniques like imaging and optogenetics in mice. The research aims to shed light on how these memory processes might influence behavior, particularly in the context of anxiety and trauma.

Dr. Juneyoung Lee's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and brain health, particularly in disorders like Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The lab investigates how B cells, a type of immune cell, can influence neuroinflammation and cognitive decline as we age. Their research aims to uncover new ways to target these cells to improve outcomes for patients suffering from age-related brain diseases.

Dr. John R Lukens leads research focused on understanding the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in Alzheimer's disease. His lab investigates how proteins like CLEC7A and CASS4 influence microglial behavior and their impact on brain health as we age. By using advanced mouse models and genetic tools, the team aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.

The Maze lab conducts innovative research to understand how specific molecular mechanisms in the brain contribute to mental health disorders, particularly mood disorders like depression and conditions such as Down syndrome. By studying post-translational modifications of proteins that affect gene expression, the lab seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets and insights into the regulation of brain function and dysfunction. Their work combines advanced techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and behavioral analysis to address complex neurological challenges.

Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Ross's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to spina bifida, a serious neural tube defect. By combining advanced DNA sequencing and machine learning techniques, the lab aims to identify specific gene mutations and interactions that lead to the condition. Their research strives not only to uncover the biological mechanisms behind spina bifida but also to pave the way for better prevention strategies and treatment options for affected individuals.

Dr. Daniel Aharoni's lab focuses on understanding how brain circuits encode and manage information through innovative technology. By developing advanced miniature microscopes that can be used on freely moving animals, the lab aims to explore the relationship between neural activity and behavior in real-time. Their open-source tools will help researchers in neuroscience better visualize and manipulate brain activity during natural behaviors.

Dr. Georgina Aldridge's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding dementia, particularly Lewy-Body dementia, and how protein aggregates like alpha-synuclein affect brain function. The research examines the impacts of these proteins on neuronal activity and cognitive functions, with the goal of finding potential treatment strategies. The lab also explores how different protein co-pathologies contribute to cognitive decline, utilizing human autopsy samples to gather insights into neurodegeneration.

Dr. Anjail Z. Sharrief's research focuses on improving health outcomes for individuals affected by neurologic diseases, particularly among Black and Hispanic communities who face significant disparities. Her lab works on community-engaged research to develop effective interventions aimed at reducing these disparities in conditions such as stroke, vascular cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. They employ innovative strategies like telehealth and community partnerships to enhance healthcare access and promote better health management post-stroke.

Dr. Dimitri Krainc's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease using patient-derived cells. They study how different genetic factors influence the health of dopamine neurons and the role of surrounding glial cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, in neurodegeneration. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques to explore the interactions between cellular pathways and develop new experimental models for studying various aspects of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Craig M Powell's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability. They use mouse models to investigate specific genes and their effects on brain function and behavior. By combining advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and MRI, the lab aims to identify potential therapies for these conditions in the future.