Dr. Lauren Petrullo's lab at the University of Arizona studies how stress affects the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in our digestive system. They use free-living red squirrels to explore how stress influences these microbes and their role in the body’s health, particularly the immune system and metabolism. By understanding these interactions, the lab aims to provide insights that could improve human health and lead to better treatments for conditions linked to microbial imbalance.

Dr. Deepta Bhattacharya's research lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind antibody responses and immunity. They investigate how specific metabolic pathways influence the lifespan and function of plasma cells, which are crucial for long-term immune protection. By using advanced genetic tools and various experimental models, the lab aims to uncover the cellular and metabolic factors that determine how long antibodies remain effective after vaccination or infection.

Dr. Mario Ignacio Romero-Ortega's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on developing advanced interfaces for improving sensory and motor control in prosthetic limbs for amputees. Their research aims to create tiny, highly selective electrode arrays that can better connect to the nerves in residual limbs, allowing for more intuitive control and natural sensations from robotic prosthetics. This work could significantly enhance the quality of life for people using prosthetic limbs.

Dr. John M Ruiz's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding the factors that influence lung cancer survival, particularly among Hispanic populations. The research is designed to investigate how social integration and cultural values contribute to better health outcomes despite socioeconomic and healthcare disparities. By using advanced methodologies, the lab aims to develop targeted interventions to help improve lung cancer survival rates.

Dr. Matthew D. Grilli's lab focuses on understanding how semantic memory can help detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease. His research investigates new cognitive tasks related to semantic memory and their relationship with important biomarkers of Alzheimer's, such as amyloid and tau levels in the brain. By exploring these connections, the lab aims to develop better tools for diagnosing Alzheimer's and advancing knowledge about how the brain supports memory.

The research lab led by Dr. Rachna Shroff at the University of Arizona focuses on enhancing cancer clinical research, especially for underrepresented populations like Hispanics and Native Americans. The lab aims to develop a comprehensive clinical trials navigation program, making cancer trials more accessible and inclusive. By expanding the reach of the Arizona Clinical Trials Network, the lab seeks to improve participation in cancer trials and advance drug development in oncology.

Dr. Shang Song's research lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding and treating spinal cord injuries (SCIs) through innovative neuromodulation techniques. The lab aims to develop personalized treatments that use electrical stimulation to enhance neural circuit plasticity, promote motor recovery, and alleviate pain for individuals suffering from SCIs. The approach is based on training the spinal circuitry to work better, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by these injuries.

Dr. John Michael Streicher's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on developing innovative therapies to better manage chronic pain while minimizing the use of opioids. They investigate a protein called Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90), which plays a key role in how opioids work in the brain and spinal cord. By creating selective inhibitors of Hsp90, the lab aims to enhance the effectiveness of opioids for pain relief while reducing unwanted side effects like tolerance and addiction.

Dr. Katalin M Gothard's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how the adolescent brain develops, particularly its reward processing systems, by studying non-human primates. The research aims to unravel the connections between brain structure changes during adolescence and the increase in mental health issues observed in teens today. The lab uses innovative techniques to explore how adolescents make decisions, experience rewards, and interact socially as their brains mature.

Dr. Jil Tardiff's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition caused by mutations in the heart's contractile proteins. The lab investigates how these mutations affect heart function, particularly diastolic relaxation. By using advanced techniques, they aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for early treatment, which could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Coen Ottenheijm's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how the diaphragm muscle functions in health and in conditions like mechanical ventilation. By studying the interactions between key proteins in the diaphragm, particularly titin and myosin, the lab aims to uncover the reasons behind diaphragm weakness, especially in ICU patients. This research has implications for improving the management of patients requiring prolonged ventilation.

Dr. Jean M. Wilson's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection affects the cells of the colon. The team investigates how CMV alters the barrier function of the colonic epithelium, which is critical for maintaining gut health and preventing diseases like colitis. By studying the interactions between the virus and the colon cells, they aim to uncover new ways to treat and prevent CMV-related complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Dr. Janko Z. Nikolich's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects the immune system, particularly the decline of T cells in older adults. By investigating the mechanisms behind this decline, the lab aims to develop strategies for rejuvenating T cells to improve health and immunity in the elderly. They also explore how cytomegalovirus (CMV) influences aging in people living with HIV, with the goal of establishing better treatments for age-related conditions in this population.

Dr. Qin M. Chen's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how cells respond to oxidative stress, particularly in the context of heart failure. The research investigates the role of specific proteins in activating protective responses that could slow down or prevent heart damage. By exploring RNA methylation and protein translation mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for addressing heart failure, a severe and costly health issue.

Dr. Elise N. Erickson's research lab focuses on postpartum hemorrhage, a serious complication that affects many childbirths. The lab studies how genetic and epigenetic variations in the oxytocin receptor can predict how well women will respond to oxytocin treatment during and after labor. By identifying biomarkers that indicate risk for hemorrhage, the lab aims to improve clinical decision-making and ultimately reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Dr. Xinglong Wang's research lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how the TDP-43 protein contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's disease. By studying the interactions between TDP-43 and mitochondria, the lab investigates how changes in TDP-43 behavior might lead to neuron damage. This research aims to uncover critical mechanisms that could potentially reveal new therapies for these debilitating conditions.

Dr. Yin Chen's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how our immune system responds to Coccidioides, the fungus responsible for Valley Fever. With cases of this serious infection rising, the lab studies how special proteins in our lungs can fight off this pathogen, even in healthy individuals. By exploring these mechanisms, their research aims to find new ways to treat and prevent this disease, which poses a significant health risk.

Dr. Ebenezer N. Yamoah's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding the inner workings of auditory neurons and their role in hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing loss. Their research aims to unravel the mechanisms that allow these neurons to transmit sound information accurately and explore new methods for treating hearing impairments. By combining techniques in genetics, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging, they investigate how neurons function both under healthy conditions and in various disease states.