Dr. Yen-Yu Ian Shih's lab focuses on developing innovative imaging technologies to study brain function in mice. Specifically, they are working on a new fMRI technique called SORDINO, which aims to improve the sensitivity and specificity of imaging by tackling common issues found in traditional methods. Their research hopes to enhance our understanding of large-scale brain networks and has implications for public health by contributing new insights into brain-related disorders.

Dr. Rodrigo Morales' lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how infections can influence neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and how prion diseases, particularly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), spread in the environment. They explore the interactions between pathogens and plants, animals, and the immune system, examining how these factors contribute to disease pathology and transmission. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these diseases to inform better control and prevention strategies.

Dr. Daniel R. Scoles' lab focuses on understanding how certain kinases, particularly PASK, regulate cell processes and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. They investigate the roles of protein modifications and genetic interactions, aiming to develop new therapeutic strategies. The research combines genetic models and cell studies to pave the way for potential treatments.

Dr. Giles Plant's research focuses on finding innovative ways to repair cervical spinal cord injuries using human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). His lab develops and tests transplantation strategies where these neurons are integrated into injured spinal cords, aiming to restore motor function and improve the quality of life for patients. By studying how these transplanted neurons form connections and integrate into existing neural circuits, the lab seeks to make significant advances in regenerative therapies for spinal injuries.

Dr. Mersedeh Bahr Hosseini's lab at UCLA focuses on developing innovative treatments for patients with acute ischemic stroke, particularly those who are not eligible for standard therapies. The lab is studying how a technique called cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (C-tDCS) can help protect brain tissue and improve blood flow by using weak electrical currents applied to the scalp. Their research aims to optimize the dosage of this non-invasive therapy to enhance its safety and efficacy, potentially transforming the approach to stroke treatment in emergency settings.

Dr. Fudong Liu's lab focuses on understanding the intricate mechanisms behind stroke and neuroinflammation, particularly how gender differences and aging influence these processes. They investigate how factors like the X chromosome and hormonal changes after menopause affect stroke outcomes in women. Additionally, the lab explores the role of immune signaling pathways, specifically CD200-CD200R interactions, in modulating neuroinflammation and improving recovery from stroke.

Dr. David Gutmann's lab focuses on understanding neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and its impact on brain tumors and neurodevelopmental problems in children. They aim to uncover the biological mechanisms behind NF1-related conditions to improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes. The lab utilizes integrative approaches, combining patient-derived cells, advanced genetic techniques, and mouse models to explore how different cell types interact in these diseases.

Dr. Alexander Fleischmann's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding the identities and functions of different neural cell types in the olfactory cortex, which is important for odor perception and memory. His research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms and gene regulatory networks responsible for cell type specification during development. This work will enhance our knowledge of how the brain processes sensory information and contributes to memory.

Dr. Kevin Franks' lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how the brain processes smells. His research examines how different cells in the brain's olfactory cortex discriminate between and recognize odors, as well as how these processes relate to memory and behavior. The insights gained could help improve our understanding of diseases affecting the sense of smell, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which is especially important given the recent impacts of conditions such as COVID-19.

Dr. Mary Kay Lobo's lab at the University of Maryland Baltimore focuses on understanding the neurological impacts of substance abuse, particularly the effects of perinatal opioid exposure and cocaine addiction. By using mouse models, her research investigates how these substances alter brain circuitry and behavior, aiming to uncover the underlying cellular and molecular changes that lead to long-term psychological issues. This research is crucial for developing effective treatments for individuals affected by substance use disorders and neurodevelopmental problems arising from opioid exposure during pregnancy.

Dr. Yasmin L. Hurd's lab focuses on understanding opioid use disorder, particularly how heroin affects the brain at a molecular level. The team combines human and animal studies to explore the neurobiological changes caused by opioids, aiming to identify new treatment options for addiction that avoid the risks of traditional opioid-based medications. By investigating specific pathways involved in addiction, they hope to develop targeted therapies that can better aid individuals struggling with opioid dependence.

Dr. Yuval Kluger’s lab at Yale University focuses on understanding how opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV affect the brain’s cellular functions. The team utilizes advanced techniques to analyze brain tissue samples to uncover molecular changes and interactions between these two conditions, which are currently not well understood. Their goal is to identify potential targets for new treatments that can address the combined impact of OUD and HIV on the nervous system.

Dr. Elyssa Margolis' lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how specific brain circuits influence pain perception and its emotional aspects, particularly in the context of chronic pain and depression. The lab investigates the lateral habenula, a brain region involved in both sensory pain and mood disorders. By studying how this area connects to other brain structures, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies for alleviating both pain and the emotional distress that often accompanies it.

Dr. Yuriy Usachev's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding the neural circuits that regulate pain. They study a newly discovered group of neurons involved in descending pain modulation to uncover how these neurons can influence pain processing. Their work aims to find new ways to treat chronic pain, ultimately benefiting countless patients who suffer from ineffective pain management.

Dr. Muhammad Saad Yousuf's lab focuses on understanding and treating diabetic neuropathic pain, a common and often debilitating condition affecting people with diabetes. The research explores how a molecule called methylglyoxal impacts nerve cells, leading to increased pain sensitivity. By using both animal models and human neurons, the lab aims to develop non-opioid treatments targeting specific stress-response pathways involved in pain.

Dr. Stuart C. Sealfon's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding the pituitary gland's role in the endocrine system by studying the molecular changes occurring in its different cell types. Using cutting-edge single cell technologies, the lab investigates how these cells adapt during normal physiological processes and diseases like hypothyroidism. Their research aims to reveal insights into gene regulation and cell behavior, contributing to our understanding of overall health and disease dynamics.

Dr. Hung Wen (Kevin) Lin's lab focuses on understanding the roles of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) in Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's-related vascular cognitive impairment. The lab investigates how modifications in PRMTs influence brain metabolism, blood flow, and cognitive functions, particularly in female mouse models. They are also exploring innovative treatments using photobiomodulation, a non-invasive therapy, to mitigate cognitive decline associated with these conditions.

Dr. Sunil Sheth and his lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston focus on improving outcomes for stroke patients who have received endovascular therapy. Despite high rates of successful blood vessel recanalization, many patients still experience significant disability. The lab aims to understand why these outcomes occur by categorizing patients based on the underlying reasons for their ongoing struggles and developing machine learning tools to identify those at risk for poor recovery. This work seeks to ensure that more targeted treatments can be developed for those who need them the most.

Dr. Lauren Krupp's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how childhood adversities affect health outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly among communities that are often underrepresented in medical research. The lab works directly with patients from diverse backgrounds to develop culturally informed research tools and interventions aimed at improving quality of life for people living with MS. By addressing health disparities and fostering community engagement, the lab seeks to ensure that all individuals with MS can access better care and support.

Dr. Kaitlin B. Casaletto's lab focuses on understanding how biological sex influences dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia (FTD). They investigate the roles of sex hormones and synaptic health in cognitive resilience, aiming to unlock new strategies for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia. This research hopes to address significant gaps in the current understanding of dementia's impact on different sexes.