Professor Philip L De Jager's lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its complexities as people age. They use advanced technologies to create detailed maps of the brain's molecular changes and how these changes affect cognition. By studying both genetic factors and brain pathology, the lab aims to uncover new insights into AD, potentially paving the way for improved treatments.

Dr. Charles Decarli's lab focuses on understanding how white matter lesions in the brain affect cognitive functions, particularly in aging populations. They study the impact of vascular risk factors on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, emphasizing diverse groups, particularly Latinos and African Americans, who are at increased risk. Through advanced MRI techniques, the lab aims to develop predictive models that can lead to better management and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments in these populations.

Dr. Joni D Wallis's lab at UC Berkeley explores how specific brain areas, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus, influence decision-making processes. By investigating the dynamics between these regions during flexible and habitual behaviors, the lab aims to uncover how dysfunction in these circuits can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and addiction. The research employs advanced techniques like closed-loop microstimulation to better understand the neuronal mechanisms behind learning and decision-making.

Dr. Maya Henry's lab focuses on improving communication and quality of life for individuals with language-related dementia, specifically primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and their caregivers. The research aims to develop an innovative treatment protocol that combines speech-language therapy with care partner training, particularly addressing the needs of diverse ethnoracial groups. By conducting pilot trials and gathering feedback, this work seeks to create adaptable, culturally sensitive interventions that enhance the lives of those affected by dementia.

Dr. Karen Zito's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how brain cells adapt and change through experiences, which is crucial for learning and memory. Her team studies tiny structures called dendritic spines on neurons, which are essential for forming connections in the brain. By exploring the molecular signaling involved in spine growth and stability, especially in the context of diseases like Alzheimer's, the lab aims to uncover ways to improve brain health and tackle cognitive dysfunction.

Dr. Evan Deneris's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding how different types of serotonin neurons develop in the brain. They use advanced techniques to examine how genes and regulatory mechanisms shape these neurons and how disruptions in these processes could lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism and depression. The lab combines expertise in molecular biology, genomics, and neuroscience to unravel these complex questions.

Dr. Laxmikant Deshpande's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding and treating the neurological impacts of organophosphate exposure, which can lead to status epilepticus (SE) and long-term brain damage. The lab is exploring verapamil, a medication commonly used for heart conditions, as a potential therapy to protect the brain and reduce inflammation caused by organophosphate toxicity. They use animal models to assess the effectiveness of this treatment and its impact on cognitive function and seizures.

Dr. Annaelle Devergnas' research lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the propagation of temporal lobe seizures through the basal ganglia in order to develop better treatment options for epilepsy. Researchers study how different patterns of seizure onset influence the way these seizures travel through brain circuits. The lab uses a non-human primate model to explore the dopaminergic system and its role in seizure control, aiming to uncover insights that could lead to individualized therapies for patients suffering from intractable epilepsy.

Dr. Marc I. Diamond's lab at UT Southwestern focuses on understanding how tau proteins contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. They explore how tau protein aggregates spread between brain cells and how these aggregates can enter cells, which might help in developing new therapeutic strategies. The lab combines mechanisms of protein binding and cellular uptake in their research to unravel the complexities of tau-related pathology.

Dr. Ruth Schneider’s lab focuses on improving the way we study Parkinson's disease by using remote technology and patient-centered methods. The lab is particularly interested in how digital tools can enhance participant engagement and data collection from home, especially during times when in-person visits are challenging. They are conducting a large observational study to understand disease progression and improve predictions about clinical outcomes such as cognition and physical activity.

Dr. Xinzhong Dong's lab focuses on understanding chronic itch, a condition that severely impacts patients' lives. They study the role of specific receptors in sensory neurons responsible for itch sensation, especially in response to various diseases and drugs. Their work aims to reveal the biological mechanisms behind itch and facilitate the creation of new treatments for it.

Dr. Christine Constantinople's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how specific brain circuits, especially those involving dopamine and acetylcholine, influence learning and decision-making in changing environments. By studying rats, her research explores dynamic learning processes and how different neuromodulators can dictate whether the brain focuses on learning or movement. The lab employs advanced techniques like optogenetics and electrophysiology to manipulate and observe neural activity during learning tasks, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr. Stella M Papa's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding and treating Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing cells. The lab studies the changes in dopamine signaling and striatal neuron function that occur in PD, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies. They utilize advanced animal models and gene therapy techniques to target specific aspects of the disease, hoping to enhance treatment outcomes and improve patients' quality of life.

Dr. Andrew R. Tapper's lab focuses on understanding how stress affects motivation for reward-seeking behaviors, particularly through the brain's dopaminergic pathways. By exploring specific neuronal circuits in the interpeduncular nucleus, the research aims to uncover how stress can influence reward-related behaviors, which may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques to study these complex interactions in animal models, contributing to the development of potential new treatments.

Alvaro Duque's lab at Yale focuses on studying the macaque brain, which is closely related to human brains, to understand brain development, function, and disease better. They maintain a unique collection of brain tissues from macaques that ranges from embryos to adults, allowing researchers to study various aspects of neuroscience without having to use more animals in experiments. This resource aims to promote research while ensuring ethical practices in animal studies.

Dr. Aparna Wagle Shukla's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how progressive resistance exercise can improve symptoms in patients with dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. The lab employs advanced brain imaging techniques such as functional MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study how this type of exercise may lead to beneficial changes in brain function for those suffering from dystonia. The ultimate goal is to enhance treatment options for patients who currently have limited responses to existing therapies.

Dr. Adam C. Miller's research lab at the University of Oregon investigates how electrical synapses are formed and function in the brain using zebrafish as a model organism. These connections between neurons are essential for proper communication in neural circuits and are linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and epilepsy. The lab aims to uncover the molecular pathways that regulate these synapses, which could help identify potential therapeutic targets for treating certain brain disorders.

Dr. Katherine Narr's lab at UCLA focuses on improving the effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for treating major depression. They are investigating how to enhance the benefits of ECT while minimizing cognitive side effects. By integrating various data types, including neuroimaging and clinical assessments, the lab aims to establish tailored approaches for ECT dosage to ensure better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Jessica M Ellis's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding the metabolism of an important nutrient, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fatty fish and essential for brain health. The research team aims to discover how DHA metabolism impacts neurological health and disease prevention. By creating a new animal model with reduced DHA levels in neurons, the lab seeks to uncover the benefits of DHA and how it could potentially be used to treat various neurological disorders.

Dr. Wassim Elyaman's research focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a serious neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. His lab investigates specific proteins and antigens that might be involved in the immune response in ALS patients. By characterizing these immune responses, the lab aims to develop more precise immunotherapies that could help slow down disease progression for ALS patients.