Dr. Anita Mahadevan-Jansen's lab focuses on developing imaging technologies to improve surgical outcomes, especially in pediatric patients. One major project uses near infrared autofluorescence to help surgeons identify parathyroid glands during thyroid surgeries, reducing the risk of complications like hypocalcemia. Another area of research involves using Raman spectroscopy to study changes in cervical tissue during pregnancy, aiming to better understand the biochemical and structural processes that can lead to premature birth.

Dr. Guoqiang Gu's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how maternal influences, particularly nutrition and obesity, affect the development and functioning of insulin-producing beta cells in offspring. They investigate the genetic and environmental factors that shape beta-cell populations, which are critical for maintaining healthy glucose levels and preventing diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The lab employs advanced genetic techniques to trace cellular lineages and analyze gene expression patterns in order to reveal relationships between maternal health, cellular identity, and diabetes risk in offspring.

Dr. Marcia A. Barnes' lab investigates innovative methods for helping children with math learning disabilities (MLDs). They focus on understanding the relationship between cognitive skills, particularly working memory, and math abilities. The lab conducts clinical trials to test new interventions that combine cognitive training with traditional math instruction, aiming to improve educational outcomes for children struggling with math.

Dr. Douglas McMahon's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on how changes in natural light exposure affect brain circuits and behavior, particularly in relation to mood disorders. The research emphasizes the role of circadian rhythms and specific brain regions that are linked to anxiety and depression. By investigating these connections, the lab aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that govern mood regulation and motivation.

Dr. Hassane S Mchaourab's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins transport substances across cell membranes, particularly in relation to drug resistance in bacterial infections and cancer. By examining the structural movements of these proteins, known as transporters, the lab aims to uncover how they function and how they can be targeted to improve treatment outcomes. The research combines state-of-the-art techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and machine learning to shed light on these critical biological processes.

Dr. Julio E Ayala's lab focuses on understanding how certain drugs used for treating diabetes and obesity work at the molecular level. They investigate the interactions between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists and key regulatory pathways in the brain and pancreas. Through their research, they aim to uncover new ways to enhance the effectiveness of existing medications and potentially develop new treatments for metabolic disorders.

Dr. David M. Miller's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on the molecular genetics of synaptic remodeling using the model organism C. elegans. The lab investigates how specific proteins, such as Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) and associated proteins like RIG-3, play essential roles in the formation and modification of neural connections. Ultimately, this work aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that may also apply to synaptic plasticity in the human brain, shedding light on the genetic factors involved in learning and memory.

Dr. John Tanner Wilson's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on developing innovative nanoparticles to improve cancer immunotherapy and antiviral therapies. The lab is particularly interested in creating nanoparticles that activate the body's immune system through specific receptors, aiming to enhance treatment options for conditions like neuroblastoma and various viral illnesses. They work on optimizing these nanoparticles to ensure they effectively target and treat diseases while minimizing side effects.

Dr. Jack Noble's lab at Vanderbilt University is focused on improving cochlear implant surgeries using augmented reality technology. By developing a guidance system, the lab aims to enhance the placement of electrodes within the cochlea, potentially leading to better hearing outcomes for patients. The research integrates advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to ensure precise and optimal positioning of the implants during surgical procedures.

Dr. Erin Calipari's research lab at Vanderbilt University investigates the brain mechanisms involved in addiction, particularly how drugs like cocaine and alcohol affect neural circuits and behavior. The lab studies the role of specific neurons in the nucleus accumbens and how molecular changes in these cells contribute to addiction-related behaviors. By exploring these mechanisms, they aim to identify new treatment strategies for addiction that could help minimize relapse and improve outcomes for those struggling with substance use disorders.

Dr. Ipek Oguz's lab focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to improve clinical diagnostics in two major areas: eye health in preterm infants and placental health during pregnancy. Their work on retinopathy of prematurity aims to enhance imaging techniques to track retinal changes in infants with the goal of preventing blindness. Similarly, they are creating automated tools to assess placental development, helping to identify at-risk pregnancies and optimize fetal health outcomes.

Dr. Neil Osheroff's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how certain antibiotics work and how bacteria resist them. The lab studies key bacterial enzymes that are targets for widely used antibacterial drugs like fluoroquinolones. By investigating these enzymes and their interactions with both existing and novel antibiotics, the team aims to develop new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Dr. Charles R. Sanders’ lab at Vanderbilt University studies Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), a genetic disorder that affects the nerves and causes muscle weakness. The lab is particularly interested in understanding how mutations in a specific protein called PMP22 lead to the disease. By investigating how PMP22 is processed within cells, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this condition and seek potential therapeutic targets.

Dr. Lijun Song's research focuses on understanding the health and social dynamics of older adults who have never married. Through a groundbreaking pilot study, this lab aims to collect national survey data that examines how social networks influence health behaviors and outcomes in this unique population. The insights gained will help address significant gaps in the research and provide crucial information for improving the well-being of older never-married individuals.

Dr. Roland W Stein's lab studies the differences between human and rodent islet beta cells to understand how they manage insulin secretion, particularly focusing on a key protein called MAFA. They explore how variations in gene expression and postnatal development affect insulin function and diabetes risk. By using human stem cell-derived models, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for diabetes and other related conditions.

Dr. Jie Ying Wu's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on using advanced technology to improve surgical outcomes for patients with head and neck cancers. They are developing an augmented reality guidance system that helps surgeons accurately locate and resect cancerous tissues while ensuring clear margins to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The lab combines engineering principles with clinical insights to create innovative tools that enhance surgical precision in cancer treatment.

Dr. Adam W. Anderson’s lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on improving the technology and methods used in diffusion MRI to better visualize and understand brain structures. By developing advanced techniques for analyzing MRI data, the lab works to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of brain imaging, which is vital for diagnosing and monitoring brain disorders. Their research not only aims to refine these imaging techniques but also strives to link MRI findings with the underlying biophysical properties of brain tissues, which will ultimately aid in patient care.

Professor Brian O Bachmann's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on discovering new cancer therapies from natural products. They explore how these compounds can trigger immune responses against cancer cells and develop innovative methods to analyze these effects at the single-cell level. The lab aims to uncover how cell injury signals can enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumors, providing insights that may lead to more effective cancer treatments.

David Aaron Jacobson's lab at Vanderbilt University explores the mechanisms behind insulin and glucagon secretion from pancreatic islet cells, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes. The research focuses on how certain proteins regulate calcium levels within the cells, affecting hormone secretion and contributing to diabetes complications. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets to improve glucose homeostasis and reduce the health burden from diabetes.

Dr. Christos Constantinidis' lab studies the brain mechanisms that support visual working memory and how these functions can be improved in cases of mental illness or neurological conditions. The research primarily involves training monkeys on cognitive tasks while recording brain activity to understand how visual information is maintained and processed. By exploring the effects of stimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert on neural function, the lab aims to develop better treatments for cognitive impairments related to aging, injury, or mental health disorders.