Dr. Rashad Hussain's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how exposure to air pollution, specifically ultra-fine particles, affects brain health and contributes to Alzheimer's disease. The research investigates the glymphatic system, a vital pathway for clearing waste from the brain, and explores how its impairment may lead to cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. Through innovative mouse models and advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms linking environmental toxicants to neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Lauren Hablitz's research focuses on understanding how our body's sleep-wake cycle affects pain, particularly chronic neuropathic pain. Her lab investigates the glymphatic system, which helps remove waste from the brain, and how it interacts with the immune system. By studying these connections, the lab aims to discover new, non-drug therapies to manage chronic pain, thereby improving overall health and quality of life.

Dr. Ruth Schneider’s lab focuses on improving the way we study Parkinson's disease by using remote technology and patient-centered methods. The lab is particularly interested in how digital tools can enhance participant engagement and data collection from home, especially during times when in-person visits are challenging. They are conducting a large observational study to understand disease progression and improve predictions about clinical outcomes such as cognition and physical activity.

Dr. John J. Foxe's research lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the brain develops in children and adolescents. His team is part of the ABCD Study, the largest long-term investigation of brain health and development in the U.S., tracking over 11,000 children as they grow. The lab examines various factors, including mental health, substance use, and social experiences, to see how they influence brain development and cognitive abilities over time.

Dr. Kuan Hong Wang's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect a specific brain network called the frontal-insular network. They study the structural and functional changes in this network using advanced imaging techniques and mouse models. Their aim is to uncover the reasons behind cognitive decline in Alzheimer's and explore ways to improve cognitive function through targeted interventions.

Dr. Steven Alan Goldman's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV affects the human brain, particularly how it leads to cognitive disorders. They employ unique mouse models that incorporate human brain cells to better study the effects of this virus, especially in conjunction with factors like drug addiction. The lab aims to uncover how HIV alters brain cell functions and contributes to cognitive problems in infected individuals.

Dr. Maiken Nedergaard's lab focuses on understanding how the brain clears waste and manages fluid during sleep. They investigate the connections between neural activity, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid movement using advanced imaging techniques, computational models, and animal studies. Their goal is to uncover how the brain's circuitry influences these processes, which can have implications for brain health and diseases.

Dr. Krishnan Padmanabhan's lab at the University of Rochester studies how the brain processes smells and the role of neural circuits in behavior and memory. One focus is on how feedback from the hippocampus influences the main olfactory bulb, which is essential for detecting odors. The lab also researches stem cell therapies to understand how transplanted neural cells integrate into the brain, aiming to improve treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The research lab led by Dr. Benzi M Kluger focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) through innovative palliative care methods. The lab is exploring community-based interventions that combine palliative care with neurology to address both medical and psychosocial needs of patients and their caregivers. Their goal is to enhance care delivery in the community and provide better support mechanisms through online learning communities and social support networks.

Dr. Giovanni Schifitto's lab focuses on understanding how conditions like HIV and SARS-CoV-2 affect the brain, particularly how they influence small blood vessels and cognitive health. The research explores the role of immune cells and specific proteins in causing or exacerbating cognitive decline and vascular diseases. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential interventions to protect brain health in affected populations.

Dr. Md Nasir Uddin's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how liver diseases, specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affect brain health in individuals living with HIV. The research uses advanced imaging technologies, including MRI, to explore brain dysfunction and cognitive performance in these patients. By investigating the links between liver health, brain injury, and cognitive outcomes, the lab aims to improve our understanding of these complex interactions and develop better diagnostic tools.