Dr. Giuseppe Coppotelli's lab at the University of Rhode Island focuses on the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in aging and related diseases. They are particularly interested in how these mutations vary across different tissues and how lifestyle factors, like exercise and calorie restriction, influence these changes. By studying mouse models, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could help develop interventions to improve health as we age.

Dr. Jessica Alber's lab focuses on improving early detection methods for Alzheimer's disease using retinal imaging. The research aims to validate non-invasive, cost-effective biomarkers found in the retina that indicate the early stages of Alzheimer's, potentially enabling timely interventions. By combining retinal imaging with advanced brain scans and blood tests, the lab seeks to develop algorithms for population-wide screening that can identify individuals at risk before symptoms appear.