Dr. Sarah Banks's lab focuses on understanding how biological and lifestyle factors contribute to the risk and progression of Alzheimer's Disease, particularly in women and underrepresented groups like Black women. The lab investigates how inflammation, insulin resistance, and physical activity influence tau pathology and cognitive decline. By studying these relationships, the lab aims to identify modifiable risk factors and therapeutic targets that can help in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease, especially in populations that have been historically overlooked in research.

Dr. Matthew R. Banghart's lab focuses on creating innovative tools that allow scientists to control neural activity in specific brain regions. By developing light-activated drugs known as photocaged DREADD agonists, the lab aims to improve methods for silencing brain cell activity with high precision. This research could enhance our understanding of how neural activity relates to behavior and has the potential for broad application in neuroscience studies.

The lab of Dr. Ronald J. Ellis at UC San Diego focuses on the effects of cannabis compounds on the microbiome and neuroinflammation in people living with HIV. They also investigate how physical activity and the enzyme GPLD1 can improve cognitive function in aging individuals with HIV. Through both clinical trials and animal studies, the lab seeks to understand the connections between gut health, inflammation, and brain function in relation to HIV.

Dr. Douglas Galasko's lab focuses on research related to Alzheimer's disease, a chronic condition that affects memory and cognition. The lab is currently developing a new drug, GSM-779690, which aims to prevent and slow progress of the disease, particularly in individuals at high genetic risk. This research includes conducting various safety and toxicology studies before advancing to clinical trials.

Dr. Joseph Gleeson's lab at the University of California, San Diego is focused on understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to Meningomyelocele, a common congenital condition known as Spina Bifida. The lab aims to explore how genetic mutations interact with folic acid exposure during pregnancy to influence the risk of this condition. By studying families affected by Spina Bifida, the lab seeks to identify genetic markers that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for this serious birth defect.

Dr. Hector M Gonzalez's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how neurocognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease affect the Latino population, which is projected to experience the highest increase in related cases. By examining cardiovascular disease and its impact on cognitive aging, the lab aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge that can inform public health strategies. The research combines advanced biomarkers, cognitive assessments, and genetic data to explore how these factors influence Alzheimer's disease risk and progression among diverse Latinos.

Dr. Thomas Hnasko's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain contribute to behaviors related to addiction, particularly with opioids. His research investigates novel neuron types in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and their roles in drug reinforcement and withdrawal symptoms. By studying these neural circuits, the lab aims to identify new targets for therapeutic interventions in opioid use disorder and other addictions.

Dr. Emilie T. Reas's lab focuses on understanding the effects of Alzheimer's disease treatments and COVID-19 related brain injuries. They study how the blood-brain barrier's health affects treatment responses and cognitive outcomes in older adults. Using advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to identify biomarkers that predict adverse effects from Alzheimer’s therapies and the impact of COVID-19 on brain health, especially concerning sex differences and genetic risk factors.

Scott M Sternson's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how the brain's neurons influence behavior through their molecular properties and activity. They use innovative imaging techniques to observe how gene expression and calcium dynamics in neurons relate to various behaviors in mice, especially in deep-brain structures. This research aims to unravel the complexities of neuron functions and their impact on feelings like hunger and fear, as well as their implications in health and disease.

Dr. Nathan Shaner’s lab at UC San Diego focuses on developing innovative tools to study CAR T-cell therapies for cancer treatment. They aim to create new bioluminescent and fluorescent sensors that can record calcium signaling in T-cells non-invasively to help researchers understand T-cell function and exhaustion. Through their work, they hope to enhance the safety and effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapies in treating various cancers, especially solid tumors.

Dr. Mark H. Tuszynski's lab focuses on understanding and promoting recovery after spinal cord injuries in primates. Using advanced techniques, the lab investigates how injured spinal neurons can regenerate and form new connections, which could lead to improved voluntary motor control. Their research aims to identify optimal time points for intervention and to enhance the effectiveness of neural stem cell therapies for spinal cord healing.

Dr. Karen L. Pierce's lab at UC San Diego focuses on improving the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using innovative eye-tracking technology. By analyzing visual attention patterns in toddlers, the lab aims to enhance the accuracy of ASD screenings during routine pediatric check-ups. Their research not only tests the effectiveness of eye tracking as a reliable screening tool but also explores how it compares to traditional parent questionnaire methods in identifying children who may need further evaluation.

Xu Chen's research lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of tau pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how factors like the ketogenic diet and sex hormones such as testosterone influence tau aggregation and spread. By investigating these relationships in various models, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate the impacts of Alzheimer's disease, especially considering the differences between male and female responses to treatment.