Drew Kiraly's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome influences cocaine addiction and relapse. They study how changes in gut bacteria can alter brain function and behavior, particularly in relation to drug-seeking behavior after abstinence. By exploring the connections between gut health and addiction, the lab aims to develop new strategies for treating substance use disorders.

Professor Terrence R Stanford's research lab focuses on understanding how the brain can recover from vision loss due to stroke or trauma, specifically hemianopia, a condition that causes blindness in one half of the visual field. The lab employs primate models to investigate a novel rehabilitation approach that combines visual and auditory cues to promote healing and improve visual capabilities. By exploring the neurobiological mechanisms involved in this rehabilitation, the lab aims to inform future treatments for patients with similar conditions and enhance their quality of life.

Dr. Ashley Weaver's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding the relationship between muscle and bone health in older adults to help prevent osteoporotic fractures. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and analyses, the lab aims to discover how muscle properties affect bone strength over time through a study of aging individuals. This research could lead to better methods for identifying those at risk of fractures and creating targeted interventions to improve overall musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Wei Zhang's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on addressing health disparities in lung cancer treatment, particularly between Black and White patients. The lab investigates how differences in tumor biology and metabolism affect treatment responses, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies that enhance immune responses in cancer. Their work combines cutting-edge genomic technologies and preclinical models to discover new ways to improve outcomes for underserved populations.