Dr. Jose Francisco Abisambra's lab studies how a protein called tau affects memory and contributes to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). They investigate how abnormal tau interacts with cellular machinery that translates genetic information into proteins, which is crucial for brain function. By understanding this link, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to help those affected by memory impairments related to dementias.

Dr. Sara N. Burke's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects brain function, particularly how changes in specific brain regions relate to cognitive decline in older adults. With an emphasis on the relationship between individual neurons and brain connectivity, the lab aims to develop interventions that could enhance cognitive abilities in aging populations. They use advanced imaging and neurophysiological techniques to explore these changes in rats, which can provide insights into human cognition as well.

Dr. David J. Clark's lab at the University of Florida focuses on finding new ways to help older adults maintain their cognitive and walking abilities. The lab studies how combining physical exercise with brain stimulation can improve brain function and prevent decline associated with aging. They aim to create effective interventions that specifically target brain areas involved in thinking and walking, which can enhance overall mental and physical health in older adults.

Dr. Aparna Wagle Shukla's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how progressive resistance exercise can improve symptoms in patients with dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. The lab employs advanced brain imaging techniques such as functional MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study how this type of exercise may lead to beneficial changes in brain function for those suffering from dystonia. The ultimate goal is to enhance treatment options for patients who currently have limited responses to existing therapies.

Dr. Ryoma Hattori's lab at the University of Florida studies how the brain processes visual information to understand numbers, a cognitive ability vital for many species including humans. The research focuses on neural circuits in the brain that help convert sensory inputs into numerical coding, investigating the mechanisms that might lead to problems like dyscalculia. Using advanced techniques like virtual reality tasks and calcium imaging, the lab examines how these processes occur and how they can be used to develop treatments for number-related disorders.

Dr. Andrew Maurer's research lab focuses on understanding the hippocampal-prefrontal cortical circuit, which is essential for cognitive function and is impaired in many psychiatric disorders. The lab aims to develop new ways to measure how this circuit operates, using both behavioral tasks in rodents and advanced neurophysiological techniques. By advancing these methodologies, the lab hopes to enhance the therapeutic development pipeline for mental health treatments, ultimately leading to better interventions for disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism.

Dr. Habibeh Khoshbouei leads a research lab at the University of Florida focused on understanding the relationship between vagus nerve stimulation and dopamine regulation in the brain. Their work aims to address the challenges of methamphetamine addiction by exploring how stimulating the vagus nerve can influence dopamine levels and reduce the drug's effects. The lab employs various advanced techniques to study how these physiological responses can potentially lead to new treatment options for addiction.

Dr. Matthew J. Lavoie's lab focuses on understanding Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a common form of neurodegenerative dementia. The lab investigates how mutations in the GBA1 gene, which cause a lysosomal storage disorder, affect brain cell function and contribute to the pathology of LBD. By studying neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, the team aims to uncover the molecular interactions involved in the disease and the influence of other genetic factors such as LRRK2.

Dr. Michael Okun's lab focuses on understanding and improving treatments for Tourette Syndrome, particularly through innovative technologies like deep brain stimulation (DBS). They aim to identify brain regions involved in tic control and develop personalized DBS systems that respond to patients' needs. The research has significant implications for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with this disorder.

Dr. Kirill A. Martemyanov's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how opioids impact brain circuitry and behavior, particularly regarding addiction and pain relief. The research investigates the molecular mechanisms that can separate the beneficial analgesic effects of opioids from their addictive properties, aiming to find new ways to prevent opioid dependence. By targeting specific neural circuits and receptors, the lab seeks to develop treatments that minimize the risk of addiction while maintaining effective pain management.

Dr. Nancy Padilla Coreano's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how the brain determines when we compete or cooperate in social situations. By studying neural mechanisms in mice, the lab aims to uncover how specific brain regions influence these behaviors, which can shed light on social difficulties seen in disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The research integrates advanced technologies to explore the connections between brain activity and social behaviors, aiming to enhance treatment strategies.

Dr. Sathya Puthanveettil's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Alzheimer's disease. The lab aims to uncover how these molecules contribute to the disease's progression, particularly through their effects on synaptic function and memory. By investigating specific lncRNAs like SLAMR, the research could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for combating Alzheimer's.

Dr. Gavin R Rumbaugh's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how genetic factors influence brain development and behavior, particularly in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. The lab investigates how genes associated with disorders like autism and schizophrenia affect the structure and function of circuits in the brain, which are critical for cognitive processing and behavior. Their research uses mouse models to uncover the relationships between gene expression, neural circuit assembly, and behavioral outcomes.