The Dong lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect the brain at a cellular level. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and 3D mapping, we study specific types of brain cells in mice to uncover the changes that occur as these animals age or develop Alzheimer's. Our research aims to create detailed brain atlases that can help scientists worldwide study neurodegenerative diseases more effectively.

Dr. Timothy S. Chang's lab at UCLA focuses on improving the identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially in underrepresented groups such as Hispanic/Latino and African American populations. The lab uses electronic health records and advanced machine learning techniques to analyze disease trajectories and genetic data. By understanding how different diseases accumulate over time, the team aims to find individuals with undiagnosed AD and reduce health disparities in diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. James Bisley's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how specific brain areas control eye movements during visual tasks. They are particularly interested in how different regions of the brain, such as the frontal eye field and the lateral intraparietal area, interact to guide our gaze and help us search our environment effectively. Their research aims to clarify the roles of these areas which may ultimately help improve treatment options for patients with neurological disorders that affect vision and movement.

Dr. Bennett Novitch's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding human brain development and disorders using advanced models called brain organoids. These organoids are engineered from human stem cells to mimic brain structures, allowing researchers to study how genetic mutations and environmental factors impact brain function. By examining the neural networks within these organoids, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome and explore potential treatments.

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. Peyman Golshani's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and memory, especially in relation to autism and aging. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques to explore how specific brain circuits function and how they can be modified to improve social interactions and memory linking. By studying these processes in animal models, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for social deficits in autism and cognitive decline in aging.

Dr. Sotiris Masmanidis' lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how the brain's timing mechanisms are intertwined with the reward learning process, specifically through the study of dopamine neurons in the midbrain. The lab employs a combination of experimental techniques and computational modeling to investigate how these neural circuits learn to predict when rewards are expected, which is important for behaviors like learning and decision-making. This research could shed light on fundamental processes that, when disrupted, can lead to issues like addiction.

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl's lab focuses on understanding the differences in neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) based on individual patient characteristics like sex, age, and specific disabilities. Their research aims to develop targeted treatments that repair disabilities resulting from MS by studying how various cell types in the central nervous system behave in different regions of the brain. By utilizing a range of experimental techniques, the lab assesses how these factors contribute to MS progression and therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Daniel Geschwind's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding the genetics behind neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The lab uses advanced stem cell technologies and high-throughput phenotyping to study how various genes affect brain development and function, aiming to uncover the biological mechanisms that contribute to disorder risk. To achieve this, they develop models using human stem cells to analyze gene knockouts and their effects on neuronal behavior.

Dr. Jessica E Rexach's lab focuses on understanding the role of interneurons in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias using innovative stem cell models. The lab creates assembloids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to mimic the complex interactions between different types of brain cells, particularly how mutations in the tau protein affect cognitive decline. By studying how these cells work together, the lab aims to uncover potential pathways for developing new treatments and improving clinical trials.

Dario L Ringach's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how neurons in the cortex become specialized for processing visual information and how they are organized into functional maps. They investigate how thalamic inputs influence cortical structure and function, specifically exploring the role of ON/OFF pathways from the retina in shaping our ability to perceive and respond to visual stimuli. This research is significant for understanding developmental brain disorders and enhancing our knowledge of cognitive processes.

Dr. David W. Shattuck's research lab at UCLA focuses on developing software tools for analyzing and visualizing neuroimaging data from rodent models. These tools help scientists study brain diseases and disorders by enabling detailed examination of brain imaging data, including MRI and microscopy. By creating open-source software, the lab aims to enhance research capabilities for preclinical studies and understanding neurological conditions better.

Dr. Thomas A. Rando's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how aging affects stem cells and exploring ways to enhance their function. They investigate the molecular changes that occur in stem cells over time and how these changes contribute to age-related declines in tissue repair and homeostasis. The research aims to develop interventions that can rejuvenate aged stem cells, which may lead to better therapeutic strategies for health issues in the elderly.

Dr. Steven C. Cramer's lab focuses on innovative rehabilitation methods for stroke recovery. They are particularly interested in using telerehabilitation techniques to help patients improve their arm function from the comfort of home. By employing intensive rehabilitation strategies, their research aims to determine how these approaches can enhance recovery outcomes and patient quality of life after stroke.

The lab led by Chao Peng at UCLA focuses on understanding how certain chemical changes to tau proteins, called post-translational modifications, can influence the spread of tau-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. Their research is crucial for developing new therapies to slow down the progression of these neurodegenerative conditions. By studying tau from different disease states and using advanced techniques, they aim to uncover novel ways to interfere with tau transmission in the brain.

Dr. Jack Feldman's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how the brain controls breathing and how this relates to emotional regulation. They conduct experiments in both living and lab-based settings to uncover the mechanisms behind respiratory patterns and their effects on emotional states such as anxiety and panic. This research has significant implications for improving treatments for conditions related to breathing disorders and emotional disturbances.

Dr. Daniel Aharoni's lab focuses on understanding how brain circuits encode and manage information through innovative technology. By developing advanced miniature microscopes that can be used on freely moving animals, the lab aims to explore the relationship between neural activity and behavior in real-time. Their open-source tools will help researchers in neuroscience better visualize and manipulate brain activity during natural behaviors.

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. Joshua Trachtenberg's lab at UCLA focuses on how visual experiences during early development influence the formation of neural circuits in the brain. They specifically investigate the development of binocular vision and the mechanisms behind visual plasticity, using advanced techniques to track neural activity in awake animals. This research not only enhances our understanding of brain development but also holds implications for therapeutic strategies to address neural circuit disruptions later in life.

Dr. Varghese John's lab at UCLA focuses on developing innovative solutions for Alzheimer's disease (AD) through gene editing. By targeting the APOE4 gene, a major genetic risk factor for AD, the lab utilizes a cutting-edge delivery system called synthetic exosomes to transport CRISPR components across the blood-brain barrier. The lab's goal is to optimize this gene-editing technique to improve cognitive function in AD models and facilitate potential clinical applications.