Dr. Charles N. Allen's lab at Oregon Health & Science University studies the brain's master circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). They focus on how brain cells communicate to maintain our biological rhythms and how neurotransmitters like GABA affect these processes. By understanding these interactions, the lab aims to find solutions for health issues related to circadian rhythm disruptions, which can arise from modern lifestyle demands.

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. Steven A. Shea's lab focuses on understanding how our body's internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, affect heart health and risk for cardiovascular events. The research investigates how these rhythms influence how the heart responds to stress and daily activities, especially in those with conditions like high blood pressure or sleep apnea. By exploring these connections, the lab aims to improve the timing of therapies for cardiovascular diseases, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

Dr. James E. Gouaux's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding how nerve cells communicate through neurotransmitters. They study the 3D structures of receptors and transporters that play crucial roles in transmitting signals in the brain, revealing how these proteins function and interact with drugs. This research not only contributes to our knowledge of brain function but also has implications for treating neurological disorders.

Dr. Leslie Hammer's lab focuses on understanding the complexities of the workplace and how it affects worker health and wellbeing. The lab uses research to explore innovative solutions to enhance the health of workers and their families. Projects incorporate interdisciplinary approaches to improve mental health, support work-life balance, and promote healthier work environments.

The Unni lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding Lewy body dementia, a type of neurodegenerative disease. Their research explores how different protein pathologies, particularly alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid, interact and spread in the brain, which may help in developing new treatments. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to study changes in neurons over time and how immune cells contribute to these diseases.

Dr. Henrique Prado Von Gersdorff's lab studies how hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease affect the auditory brainstem. By investigating the changes in neural signals and behavior through advanced techniques, the lab aims to understand how these two conditions interact and potentially lead to cognitive decline. They work with mouse models to explore the fundamental mechanisms of sound processing and develop early tools for predicting Alzheimer's disease outcomes.