Dr. Bruce D. Bartholow's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding the psychological processes behind problematic alcohol use, especially among young adults. The research investigates how different cognitive systems, such as motivation for alcohol and cognitive control, interact to influence drinking behaviors and the development of alcohol use disorders. By studying these factors, the lab aims to identify effective prevention and intervention strategies for reducing alcohol-related problems.

Dr. Michael Anderson's lab focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent blindness. The lab investigates specific genetic variations linked to glaucoma risk and how they affect the health of retinal cells. By utilizing human tissues and mouse models, the research aims to unravel the mechanisms behind glaucoma to develop new treatments that go beyond lowering eye pressure.

Dr. Georgina Aldridge's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding dementia, particularly Lewy-Body dementia, and how protein aggregates like alpha-synuclein affect brain function. The research examines the impacts of these proteins on neuronal activity and cognitive functions, with the goal of finding potential treatment strategies. The lab also explores how different protein co-pathologies contribute to cognitive decline, utilizing human autopsy samples to gather insights into neurodegeneration.

Dr. Yuriy Usachev's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding the neural circuits that regulate pain. They study a newly discovered group of neurons involved in descending pain modulation to uncover how these neurons can influence pain processing. Their work aims to find new ways to treat chronic pain, ultimately benefiting countless patients who suffer from ineffective pain management.

Dr. Mark Blumberg's lab focuses on understanding how sleep and behavior in premature infants relate to their brain development and long-term outcomes. By studying sleep patterns and twitches during sleep, the lab aims to uncover insights that could help identify developmental issues in at-risk infants and guide interventions. Their goal is to contribute to better outcomes for children facing neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy and autism.

Dr. Jason J. Radley's lab studies how the brain's neural circuits help mammals, including humans, respond to stress. They focus on understanding the mechanisms behind active and passive coping strategies when facing stressful situations. By examining how different parts of the brain communicate during stress, the lab aims to uncover ways to improve mental health and resilience against stress-related diseases.

Dr. Ling Yang's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how lysosomal dysfunction affects heart health, specifically in the context of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The lab uses innovative methods to study the role of lysosomes in controlling metabolic processes and inflammation in heart cells, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies for managing heart disease. Overall, the research will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular health and disease.