Dr. Merideth A. Addicott's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding the long-term effects of electronic cigarettes on brain health. The research investigates how e-cig use compares to traditional cigarette smoking and its implications for cognitive function, brain structure, and overall physiological health in adult smokers. By exploring critical biomarkers and recovery measures, the lab aims to inform public health policies regarding smoking cessation and the relative safety of e-cigarettes.

Dr. Rong Chen's lab focuses on understanding how chronic alcohol consumption affects brain function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. The lab studies the relationship between alcohol exposure, cholesterol levels in the brain, and glutamate signaling, which is crucial for communication between neurons. By exploring these interactions, they aim to identify new targets for treating alcohol use disorders and associated behavioral issues like anxiety.

Dr. Rita Cervera Juanes' lab studies how genetic and epigenetic factors in the brain influence the risk of developing alcohol use disorders. By analyzing the brains of alcohol-naive primates, the lab aims to uncover molecular signatures that may predict future drinking behavior. The research could lead to better identification of individuals at risk and contribute to personalized prevention strategies.

Dr. Paul W. Czoty's research lab focuses on understanding cocaine use disorder (CUD) using nonhuman primate models. The lab investigates the role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors in addiction and aims to develop new treatments for CUD using innovative pharmacotherapies. By combining behavioral studies and advanced imaging techniques, the lab seeks to provide insights into the neurobiology of addiction and improve treatment strategies for this public health issue.

Dr. Jessica M Ellis's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding the metabolism of an important nutrient, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fatty fish and essential for brain health. The research team aims to discover how DHA metabolism impacts neurological health and disease prevention. By creating a new animal model with reduced DHA levels in neurons, the lab seeks to uncover the benefits of DHA and how it could potentially be used to treat various neurological disorders.

Dr. Allyn C. Howlett's lab investigates how cannabinoid receptors function in the brain, particularly focusing on a protein called CRIP1a that interacts with these receptors. This research seeks to better understand the mechanisms behind receptor signaling and how they could influence neurological health and disease, including conditions like epilepsy and mental health disorders. By studying the interplay between cannabinoid receptors and CRIP1a, the lab aims to uncover insights that may lead to selective therapeutic targets.

Dr. Christina S. Meade's lab focuses on understanding how chronic stress and substance use, particularly stimulants, impact people living with HIV. By exploring the connections between psychological stress, neuroimmune function, and mental health disorders like depression, the lab aims to develop interventions that can improve the lives of those affected by these issues. The research also looks at broader community factors that influence health outcomes among populations at risk for or living with HIV.

Rebecca Erwin Wells' lab focuses on improving the lives of people living with migraine, a condition affecting millions of Americans. The lab is developing and evaluating online, non-drug interventions that could offer effective relief from migraine symptoms without the use of opioids. By leveraging electronic health solutions, the lab aims to create scalable treatments that are accessible to a wide audience, addressing the significant health burden caused by migraines.

Dr. Michael Nader's lab focuses on understanding how social factors and sex differences influence cocaine use and addiction through studies on monkeys. By exploring the interactions between behavior, environment, and biology, the lab aims to identify effective treatment strategies for cocaine use disorders. The research could help develop personalized medicine approaches to better tackle drug addiction based on individual needs.

Dr. Bonnie Sachs' lab focuses on developing and validating video-administered cognitive assessments for Alzheimer's Disease research, especially in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By adapting established cognitive batteries to video formats, the lab aims to make assessments more accessible to diverse populations who face barriers to in-person testing, such as transportation issues or financial hardships.

Drew Kiraly's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome influences cocaine addiction and relapse. They study how changes in gut bacteria can alter brain function and behavior, particularly in relation to drug-seeking behavior after abstinence. By exploring the connections between gut health and addiction, the lab aims to develop new strategies for treating substance use disorders.

Professor Terrence R Stanford's research lab focuses on understanding how the brain can recover from vision loss due to stroke or trauma, specifically hemianopia, a condition that causes blindness in one half of the visual field. The lab employs primate models to investigate a novel rehabilitation approach that combines visual and auditory cues to promote healing and improve visual capabilities. By exploring the neurobiological mechanisms involved in this rehabilitation, the lab aims to inform future treatments for patients with similar conditions and enhance their quality of life.