Dr. Bernard G. Schreurs' lab investigates how sex differences influence Alzheimer's disease risk and treatment responses. The team leverages an innovative animal model using rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet to explore the interactions between estrogen levels and cholesterol metabolism in relation to cognitive function. By examining how these factors contribute to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms behind memory impairment and potential protective effects of estrogen.

Dr. Charles Anderson's lab at West Virginia University focuses on the role of synaptic zinc in brain function and its impact on cognitive and sensory processing. The team investigates how zinc is released, cleared, and utilized at synapses, as well as how it influences neuronal communication and structure. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.