Dr. Jeremy N Kay's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the role of the CRB1 gene in inherited retinal degeneration. By studying how different variants of the CRB1 gene affect retinal health, the lab aims to develop strategies for gene therapy that could halt or reverse vision loss in patients suffering from this condition. Their research involves complex mouse models and various cellular analyses to explore potential therapeutic interventions.

Josh Huang's lab at Duke University focuses on developing innovative RNA-based technologies to analyze and manipulate brain cell types across different vertebrate species. Their research aims to improve our understanding of neural circuits and how they contribute to behaviors and cognitive functions. By creating scalable tools for targeted gene therapy and studying cell types in various animals, the lab hopes to advance neuroscience and address neuropsychiatric disorders, ultimately transforming our approach to brain research.

Dr. Nicole Calakos's lab at Duke University studies how a specific biochemical pathway influences the brain's ability to adapt and learn. They focus on how the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) affects the functioning of certain neurons involved in behaviors and memory. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies for conditions related to memory and neurological disorders.

Dr. Anita A Disney's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how brain changes related to aging and Alzheimer's disease manifest in a model that closely resembles human physiology—the rhesus macaque monkey. By examining the metabolome and proteome of macaque brains, particularly around menopause, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's pathology and identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and intervention.

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. Yong Chen's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding and alleviating the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a painful joint condition that affects many individuals. They are developing improved animal models to explore the mechanisms of psoriatic arthritis pain, particularly examining the role of certain lipids in inflammation and pain pathways. The aim is to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to better pain management for PsA patients.

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.