Professor Ji-Xin Cheng's lab at Boston University focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to tackle pressing health issues, particularly in detecting antimicrobial resistance and understanding cellular processes. They aim to create tools that can quickly identify how bacteria and fungi respond to treatments at the single-cell level, which is vital for improving clinical outcomes. The lab also explores novel microscopy technologies to visualize and understand the molecular mechanisms in living tissues, which could lead to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Xaralabos Varelas's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how aging affects head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and their associated immune responses. The lab explores how mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix in older tissues influence tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, their work seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from HNSCC.

Dr. Hisashi Akiyama's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how HIV RNA and its modifications contribute to chronic inflammation in people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy. The lab investigates the mechanisms by which HIV RNA triggers immune responses that lead to complications such as neurocognitive disorders. By studying these processes, the lab aims to develop novel treatments that can minimize inflammation and improve the health outcomes of individuals with HIV.

Dr. Tibor P. Palfai's lab at Boston University's Psychology Department focuses on understanding how alcohol affects sexual decision-making, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). The lab conducts research on the mechanisms behind risky sexual behaviors when individuals are intoxicated and seeks to promote safer behaviors through innovative brief interventions. Their work integrates cognitive and motivational approaches to help reduce the risk of HIV transmission by enhancing condom use and lowering alcohol consumption.

Dr. Rhoda Au's lab focuses on understanding and preventing Alzheimer's disease through innovative digital technologies. They aim to develop continuous cognitive assessment tools that can detect changes in cognitive health before more severe symptoms emerge. Using data from studies such as the Framingham Heart Study, the lab combines advanced imaging techniques with digital biomarkers to better identify individuals at risk of Alzheimer's and tailor personalized interventions.

Dr. Lee E. Goldstein's research lab at Boston University focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias by investigating how environmental toxicants like lead, cadmium, and arsenic affect brain aging and disease risk. The lab employs innovative mouse models to delve into the molecular processes that connect genetic risk factors and environmental exposures. Additionally, they are developing a novel noninvasive eye scanner to detect early biomarkers of Alzheimer’s in the lens of the eye, aiming for a more accessible method of early detection of cognitive decline.

The Roussarie lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how specific genes and microRNAs influence vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. Their research investigates the role of miR-129-2, a microRNA that may help protect neurons in the entorhinal cortex from neurodegeneration related to Alzheimer's. By mapping its expression patterns and studying its effects on tau accumulation, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to mitigate early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Michael B Albro's lab at Boston University focuses on innovative approaches to improve cartilage regeneration and diagnosis of joint conditions. The lab develops bio-inspired scaffolds that replicate the natural mechanisms for cartilage growth, aiming to enhance tissue quality and personalize treatment based on patient-specific needs. Additionally, they utilize advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques to assess cartilage health in real time, facilitating better outcomes for conditions like Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA).

Dr. Michael Alosco's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the effects of repetitive head impacts, commonly experienced in contact sports, on brain health. The lab investigates conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), cognitive impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, using advanced imaging and biomarker analysis. Their goal is to identify the relationship between head impacts, brain changes, and mental health issues to develop preventive strategies and interventions for affected athletes.

Jerome Mertz's research lab focuses on improving imaging techniques in biology using superresolution fluorescence microscopy. They aim to develop a new method based on random speckle illumination that allows for faster and more effective imaging of biological samples, particularly mouse brain tissue. This research will enhance the study of gene expression and improve the analysis speed of biological samples.

Dr. Yanhang Katherine Zhang's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the role of cerebrovascular health in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and the mechanical properties of arterial walls in conditions like aortic dissection. The research aims to connect changes in blood vessel structure and function with cognitive decline and disease progression, potentially leading to new diagnostic and treatment options. They employ advanced imaging and modeling techniques to study these complex interactions.

Jerry L Chen's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how the brain processes tactile information through circuits in the sensorimotor cortex. They study the connections between local and long-range neural circuits and how these circuits influence behavior, particularly in relation to tactile perception using a mouse model. Their innovative research combines advanced imaging techniques and molecular analysis to develop a comprehensive model of sensory processing in the brain.

Dr. Venetia Zachariou's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding chronic pain mechanisms, specifically looking at a protein called RGS4 that influences nerve signals. By studying how RGS4 functions in different types of nerve cells, the lab aims to identify new targets for pain management, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments for people suffering from neuropathic pain.

Dr. Maria Medalla's lab at Boston University investigates how the brain integrates emotional and cognitive information, focusing on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). By studying the synaptic and circuit-level properties of neurons within the ACC, particularly in relation to emotional regulation and cognitive processes, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that can inform treatments for mood disorders and other affective conditions.

Dr. Kerrie P. Nelson's lab focuses on developing better tools for predicting the risk of colorectal cancer specifically in Black Americans, who face higher rates of the disease. The lab uses large data sets from studies of Black communities to create personalized risk assessments that take into account various lifestyle and demographic factors. By improving these prediction models, the lab aims to enhance early detection and prevention strategies, ultimately lowering colorectal cancer mortality rates.

The lab of Dr. John H. Connor at Boston University focuses on developing new antiviral medications targeting poxviruses, including those that cause smallpox and mpox. The team is working on a new class of antiviral compounds known as pyridopyrimidinones, which aim to inhibit viral replication by interfering with viral RNA synthesis. By utilizing various in vitro and animal models, the lab hopes to create effective, safe treatments for poxviral infections that are crucial for public health.

Dr. Robert A. Davey's lab at Boston University focuses on studying emerging infectious diseases in a highly secure biocontainment facility. The lab conducts innovative research to develop diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to protect public health. It also trains the next generation of scientists to handle high-risk pathogens safely.

Dr. Jennifer I. Luebke's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain's prefrontal and premotor areas contribute to decision-making processes. Using advanced techniques, the lab investigates how these neurons work together to influence our choices and actions, especially in the context of brain disorders. The insights gained from this research aim to inform future treatments for mental health conditions and recovery methods following brain injuries.

Dr. Ivana Delalle's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. The lab aims to identify and validate specific RNA signatures as biomarkers for early diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets. By utilizing advanced techniques and large-scale study samples, the research bridges the gap between genetic and environmental factors contributing to AD.

Dr. Xue Han's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding epilepsy, a common and serious brain disorder affecting millions of people. The research explores the cellular and network mechanisms behind interictal biomarkers, which can predict seizures. By using advanced imaging techniques and neuromodulation treatments, the lab aims to improve patient care for those with drug-resistant epilepsy.