Dr. Kamal Rahmouni's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hypertension, particularly how the brain regulates blood pressure under different conditions like obesity. They study unique structures in neurons called primary cilia, and how these cilia may contribute to high blood pressure and fluid balance. The lab uses advanced technologies to observe and manipulate brain neuron activity to gain insights into hypertension, aiming to develop new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Balaji Manicassamy's research lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how influenza viruses transmit between different species and evade the immune system. They study the roles of sugars on cell surfaces that the virus uses to infect cells, aiming to uncover how these interactions can lead to pandemics. Additionally, the lab investigates a specific protein complex that regulates immune responses to viruses, which may help in understanding diseases linked to uncontrolled immune activity.

Dr. Jiefeng Jiang's research lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how the brain, particularly the hippocampus, helps people learn and remember tasks. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind task representation and how these processes may be affected in mental disorders such as schizophrenia and ADHD. Through behavioral experiments and brain imaging techniques, the lab aims to explore the flexibility of human behavior and cognitive control in task learning.

Dr. Kevin Legge's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on developing new vaccination strategies against Influenza A viruses, particularly those from avian sources. They are exploring the use of polyanhydride nanoparticles to create a novel vaccine that can induce strong immune responses in the lungs and nasal passages, aiming for broad protection against various strains of the virus. Their research has the potential to improve how vaccines work by promoting long-lasting immunity that is not typically achieved by current vaccines.

Dr. Bing Li's lab focuses on understanding how a high fat diet leads to obesity and increases the risk of breast cancer. They study a protein called A-FABP, which plays a key role in this connection, particularly in how it interacts with immune cells and cancer cells. By uncovering these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify new ways to prevent breast cancer in individuals with obesity and evaluate A-FABP as a potential biomarker for monitoring breast cancer risk.

Dr. Ching-Long Lin's lab focuses on understanding how COVID-19 affects lung health over time. They are developing advanced deep learning models to analyze lung imaging data from chest X-rays and CT scans to identify different subtypes of lung progression in COVID-19 survivors. By linking these imaging results with clinical and biological markers, the lab aims to improve the treatment and management of long-term lung issues for patients who have recovered from COVID-19.

Dr. James H. Holmes' lab focuses on improving liver cancer treatment using a combination of advanced imaging techniques. They are developing a system that integrates ultrasound and MRI for real-time guidance during liver tumor ablation procedures. This innovative approach aims to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of these treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Dr. John T. Harty's lab focuses on understanding how malaria impacts the immune system, particularly how prior exposure to the disease can hinder effective vaccination. The research primarily investigates CD8 T cell responses and the role of hemozoin, a byproduct of malaria infection, in compromising these immune responses. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to improve vaccine efficacy against malaria, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

Dr. Kara Whitaker's research lab focuses on how maternal behaviors during pregnancy, such as physical activity and sedentary behavior, influence the health of offspring in their early years. By studying the effects of these behaviors, her team aims to find ways to prevent childhood obesity and cardiovascular diseases that can start before birth. This work seeks to provide insights into how we can improve health outcomes for future generations through effective maternal health interventions.

Dr. Huxing Cui's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how certain brain cells in the hypothalamus control metabolism differently between males and females. They study a specific signaling pathway that is linked to obesity, especially in women. The lab uses advanced techniques to explore how changes in neuron function can influence energy balance, with the ultimate goal of helping to develop better obesity treatments.

Dr. Eric B. Taylor's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how the mitochondrial dicarboxylate carrier influences liver metabolism, particularly gluconeogenesis, in normal physiology and during type 2 diabetes. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind altered metabolic processes in diabetes, which could lead to better treatments for the disease. By employing advanced genetic and metabolic tracing techniques, the lab seeks to connect mitochondrial function with liver health and disease.

Dr. Jan R. Wessel's research focuses on understanding the effects of deep-brain stimulation (DBS) on motor control, specifically in patients with Parkinson's disease. His lab investigates the paradoxical effects of DBS on the ability to inhibit movements, exploring how different factors such as the location of the stimulation leads and brain connectivity influence motor function. This research aims to improve therapeutic approaches for treating Parkinson's disease and provides insights into fundamental brain mechanisms controlling movement.

Dr. Grazyna Kochanska's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding the early parent-child relationships and how they influence children's socioemotional development. They explore why some children develop positive social behaviors while others may struggle with antisocial tendencies, looking closely at the interactions between temperament and parenting. Through extensive longitudinal studies, the lab aims to inform effective parenting interventions that can promote healthy development and prevent negative outcomes for children.

Dr. Stanley Perlman's lab at the University of Iowa studies the long-term effects of COVID-19, focusing particularly on how it impacts the sense of smell and brain function. They investigate the relationship between inflammation and neurological issues after infection, aiming to uncover the mechanisms responsible for these symptoms. The research uses mouse models to explore how the virus and inflammatory responses affect olfactory and neurological health.

Dr. George B Richerson's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), particularly how seizures can disrupt the body's ability to regulate breathing. By studying the role of serotonin neurons and carbon dioxide (CO2) chemoreception, the lab aims to discover mechanisms that increase the risk of seizure-induced respiratory arrest. The research also explores how dietary supplements like milk whey may lower the chance of SUDEP by enhancing serotonin function.

Dorit Kliemann's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how the medial prefrontal cortex influences social cognition and behavior. They study how this brain region interacts with others to impact social behaviors and the implications this has for conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Through advanced imaging techniques and behavioral assessments, the lab aims to uncover the neurobiological underpinnings of social cognition, potentially leading to improved treatments for related disorders.

Dr. Steven H Green's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how noise exposure affects hearing, particularly through the damage of cochlear synapses. They are investigating the role of sex hormones like progesterone in protecting against this type of damage and ways to promote synapse regeneration after noise trauma, with an emphasis on sex differences in susceptibility. This research could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments that result from noise exposure.

Dr. Rainbo Hultman's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how chronic stress affects the brain and behavior in mice. They investigate the brain's electrical networks and molecular changes that contribute to stress vulnerability and resilience, aiming to identify preventative strategies for mental health issues like depression. The lab also studies parental brain adaptations in response to the demands of caring for offspring, providing insights into maternal behavior and potential risks like postpartum depression.

Dr. Ernesto Jorge Fuentes' research lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can survive and cause infections. They study specific signaling systems in these bacteria that help them adapt to challenging environments, such as low oxygen levels. The lab's goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow these bacteria to regulate their harmful factors, which could lead to new strategies for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

Dr. Mary Weber's lab focuses on the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections. The research investigates how this pathogen manipulates the host's cellular environment to evade the immune response and establish a stable replicative niche. By studying specific inclusion membrane proteins, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments and vaccines against Chlamydia infections.