Dr. Amy Christine Arnold's lab at Penn State Hershey focuses on understanding the relationship between obesity and hypertension, particularly how a protective hormone called angiotensin-(1-7) can improve cardiovascular health in obese individuals. They explore both cellular mechanisms and clinical outcomes related to blood pressure and metabolic function to develop better therapies. This research is vital as obesity-related hypertension is a growing global health issue.

Dr. Patricia Grigson's lab focuses on understanding addiction, particularly to cocaine, and explores early interventions to prevent substance use disorders. Using animal models, the research aims to identify behavioral responses to drug cues and investigate how certain chemicals can alter these responses. The lab's goal is to reveal the underlying brain mechanisms associated with drug addiction and seek new ways to reduce cravings and the need for drugs early in the addiction process.

Dr. Junxuan Lu’s lab at Penn State Hershey focuses on developing a natural herbal supplement from Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean Angelica) as a potential safer and more effective way to prevent prostate cancer progression in patients. The lab conducts clinical trials to study how this herbal extract may work better than traditional treatments and to understand how it impacts immune response and inflammation in the body.

Dr. Jonathan G. Hakun's lab focuses on understanding how to encourage long-term physical activity in adults to help prevent Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. By leveraging technology like smartphones and fitness trackers, the lab aims to develop strategies that promote adherence to healthy behaviors over prolonged periods, ultimately improving cognitive health. Their research emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals and self-monitoring in maintaining physical activity levels, especially for adults at risk of dementia due to conditions like obesity.

Dr. Anirban Paul's research lab focuses on understanding how different types of brain cells are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging. The lab explores how certain cell types might be more vulnerable to AD and why others seem to resist damage. By studying these cell types in mouse models, they aim to uncover the molecular and genetic factors that contribute to the risk of developing AD, potentially leading to new insights for treatment and prevention.

Dr. Yuval Silberman's lab at Penn State Hershey focuses on understanding the complex relationship between the brain and body in the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The lab explores how disruptions in vagus nerve signaling can influence alcohol consumption behaviors through specific brain circuits, especially the hypothalamus. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop new treatment strategies for AUD, which continues to be a major public health concern.

Dr. Yongsoo Kim's lab at Penn State University focuses on understanding how specific brain regions, particularly the ventral claustrum-dorsal endopiriform nucleus, influence social behavior and emotional processing. The lab investigates these mechanisms using advanced techniques in neuroscience and genetics, aiming to unravel the underlying biological pathways involved in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. By studying the impact of certain genes on brain connectivity and functioning, the research seeks to inform future therapeutic strategies for various neurological conditions.