Dr. Nandakumar Narayanan's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). They study how brain rhythms relate to attention, memory, and cognitive control in PD patients, with the goal of developing new treatments. By exploring the interactions between brain activity, genetics, and novel therapies, the lab aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with PD and related dementias.

Dr. Gordon F Buchanan's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how seizures affect the brain's ability to respond to carbon dioxide, which may play a role in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). By using advanced mouse models, the lab investigates the mechanisms of arousal impairment surrounding seizures and explores potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate risks associated with epilepsy.

Dr. Qiang Zhang's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding Alzheimer’s disease, particularly how glucose metabolism impacts the progression of the disease. They use rodent models to investigate the role of glycolysis in neurodegeneration, with the goal of developing new treatments. The lab’s research may lead to innovative therapies that could change the way Alzheimer’s disease is managed.

Dr. Kamal Rahmouni's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hypertension, particularly how the brain regulates blood pressure under different conditions like obesity. They study unique structures in neurons called primary cilia, and how these cilia may contribute to high blood pressure and fluid balance. The lab uses advanced technologies to observe and manipulate brain neuron activity to gain insights into hypertension, aiming to develop new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Huxing Cui's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how certain brain cells in the hypothalamus control metabolism differently between males and females. They study a specific signaling pathway that is linked to obesity, especially in women. The lab uses advanced techniques to explore how changes in neuron function can influence energy balance, with the ultimate goal of helping to develop better obesity treatments.

Dr. Jan R. Wessel's research focuses on understanding the effects of deep-brain stimulation (DBS) on motor control, specifically in patients with Parkinson's disease. His lab investigates the paradoxical effects of DBS on the ability to inhibit movements, exploring how different factors such as the location of the stimulation leads and brain connectivity influence motor function. This research aims to improve therapeutic approaches for treating Parkinson's disease and provides insights into fundamental brain mechanisms controlling movement.

Dr. George B Richerson's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), particularly how seizures can disrupt the body's ability to regulate breathing. By studying the role of serotonin neurons and carbon dioxide (CO2) chemoreception, the lab aims to discover mechanisms that increase the risk of seizure-induced respiratory arrest. The research also explores how dietary supplements like milk whey may lower the chance of SUDEP by enhancing serotonin function.

Dr. Georgina Aldridge's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding dementia, particularly Lewy-Body dementia, and how protein aggregates like alpha-synuclein affect brain function. The research examines the impacts of these proteins on neuronal activity and cognitive functions, with the goal of finding potential treatment strategies. The lab also explores how different protein co-pathologies contribute to cognitive decline, utilizing human autopsy samples to gather insights into neurodegeneration.

Dr. Yuriy Usachev's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding the neural circuits that regulate pain. They study a newly discovered group of neurons involved in descending pain modulation to uncover how these neurons can influence pain processing. Their work aims to find new ways to treat chronic pain, ultimately benefiting countless patients who suffer from ineffective pain management.