Dr. Dragana Rogulja's lab at Harvard Medical School investigates how the gut signals to the brain to influence sleep quality and arousability. The research focuses on the role of nutrients, particularly dietary proteins, in regulating the depth of sleep without affecting its duration. By studying Drosophila (fruit flies), the lab aims to better understand the mechanisms of sleep regulation, which could ultimately inform treatments for sleep disorders in humans.

David J Mooney's lab focuses on engineering human tissues to enhance immunotherapy treatments for cancer and other diseases. They are innovating methods to create a functional human thymus in the lab, which could improve the development of T cells from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Additionally, they are developing 3D cancer models to study immune cell interactions better, paving the way for more effective cancer therapies.

The lab of Dr. Jeffrey W. Harper at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding how a class of proteins called Cullin-Ring E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) control various biological processes, including the cell cycle and stem cell differentiation. By using genetic and biochemical methods, the lab aims to uncover how these ligases target specific proteins for degradation, a crucial process for maintaining cellular function and integrity. Their research may reveal important insights into development, aging, and cancer biology, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Elika Bergelson's research lab at Harvard University focuses on how infants learn language, particularly how they understand words before they can say them. The lab investigates the interplay between social behavior and cognitive development during early childhood, with an emphasis on understanding children's language comprehension. This work aims to improve early diagnosis and interventions for children with language delays or disorders, specifically by exploring the key factors that help older infants learn words more effectively than younger ones.

David Van Vactor's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how neurons change and adapt by looking at the role of microRNAs in synapse plasticity. Focusing on Drosophila, or fruit flies, the team examines the molecular mechanisms that enable synapses to remodel in response to neural activity, which is essential for memory and learning. Their research aims at identifying key genes and proteins involved in these processes, providing insights into how disruptions can lead to neurological disorders.

Dr. Carlos Ramon Ponce's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how drugs like MDMA and methamphetamine affect the brain's visual and social functions in nonhuman primates. By using advanced techniques in electrophysiology and machine learning, the lab examines the interplay between drug effects, social behavior, and visual processing. Their aim is to uncover mechanisms that could inform future treatments for substance use disorders.

Dr. Ulrich H. Von Andrian's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to infections, particularly in the nasal mucosa, which is often the first line of defense against airborne pathogens. The lab uses advanced microscopy techniques to study the dynamic behavior of immune cells like neutrophils and how they interact within different regions of the nasal cavity. Additionally, the lab explores the mechanisms behind lymphocyte trafficking in the body, investigating how certain blood vessels help immune cells reach their infection sites. This research has important implications for improving vaccine efficacy and developing treatments for diseases related to inflammation and cancer.

Dr. Glorian C. Sorensen leads research focusing on the connections between work conditions and employee health. Her lab investigates how workplace environments can be designed to promote wellbeing and prevent health issues. The research aims to understand the impact of work on public health and to develop interventions that enhance worker health and productivity.

Dr. Bruce Yankner's lab focuses on understanding how the REST transcription factor influences brain function and microglial health, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. They explore the mechanisms behind memory loss and neuroinflammation, aiming to develop new therapeutic strategies that could protect neurons and improve cognitive function in aging populations. Their research combines innovative mouse models, advanced molecular techniques, and drug discovery to offer insights that could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Xiaowei Zhuang's lab at Harvard University focuses on understanding the human brain by studying its diverse cell types and their functions. The team uses advanced imaging techniques to build detailed maps of brain cells, shedding light on how they interact and change with age. This research has the potential to improve our understanding of brain diseases and the aging process.