Marilyn S. Albert · Neuroscience
Dr. Marilyn S. Albert's lab conducts groundbreaking research on Alzheimer's disease, focusing on identifying biomarkers that indicate cognitive decline in individuals who are initially cognitively healthy. By tracking participants over several decades, the lab aims to uncover the earliest changes associated with Alzheimer's, paving the way for preventive measures and interventions. The research not only enhances our understanding of Alzheimer's progression but also looks into the role of lifestyle factors in cognitive health.
Deborah J Andrew · Biology
Dr. Deborah J Andrew's research lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins influence the formation and function of organs using the Drosophila salivary gland as a model. By investigating the roles of transcription factors in organ development, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that guide tissue morphogenesis and physiological specialization. This research has implications for understanding human organ development and diseases such as cancer.
Dan E Arking · Genetics
Dr. Dan E Arking's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how mitochondria affect human health, especially in relation to aging and diseases like cardiovascular issues and dementia. They study the role of mitochondrial DNA and its variations, aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could improve health outcomes. Their research combines genetics, multi-omics data, and advanced methodologies to uncover insights into mitochondrial function and its implications for diseases.
Nicole Baumgarth · Microbiology & Immunology
The Baumgarth lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how B cells respond during influenza infections to improve vaccine design. They investigate how innate immune signals regulate B cell activation and help generate strong antibody responses. By studying the mechanisms behind B cell differentiation and memory, the lab aims to find ways to create vaccines that offer longer-lasting protection against viruses like influenza.
Kim Davis · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Kim Davis's lab focuses on understanding how certain bacteria survive antibiotic treatment within the human body. These survival strategies can lead to relapsing infections, which are a growing public health concern. The lab uses a mouse model to study how bacteria interact with immune cells and how these interactions help them persist during antibiotic therapy. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to improve antibiotic treatments and combat these persistent infections.
Dwight E Bergles · Neuroscience
Dr. Dwight E. Bergles' lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding a specific type of brain cell called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). These cells play critical roles in maintaining and repairing the brain's myelin, which is essential for proper neural signaling. The lab is developing advanced tools to study how these cells respond to aging and diseases like Alzheimer's, aiming to uncover their potential in promoting brain health and regeneration.
Gira Bhabha · Biology
Dr. Gira Bhabha's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how certain pathogens, like the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and specialized parasitic fungi, invade human cells and transport essential nutrients. By studying the structures and mechanisms of these transport systems, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for combating diseases such as tuberculosis and microsporidiosis, which affect vulnerable populations. Through innovative techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the lab investigates the intricate biology of these pathogens and their interactions with host cells.
Seth Blackshaw · Neuroscience
Dr. Seth Blackshaw's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how retinal progenitor cells develop and differentiate into various cell types in the retina. Through their research, they explore the genetic networks that control these processes and aim to find new ways to reprogram glial cells to generate neurons that are crucial for vision. Their work has important implications for developing therapies for vision restoration in diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Marina Bedny · Psychology
Dr. Marina Bedny's lab at Johns Hopkins University investigates the neural mechanisms involved in Braille literacy among both congenitally blind and late-blind individuals. Using advanced imaging techniques like fMRI and diffusion MRI, the lab aims to understand how the brain adapts to reading through touch and how these changes differ between those who are born blind and those who lose their sight later in life. Their research not only enhances our understanding of brain plasticity but also informs educational strategies for teaching Braille to blind children.
Adam S. Charles · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Adam S. Charles's lab focuses on advancing brain imaging technologies to study neural function in real time. By developing new optical imaging methods, the lab aims to capture detailed brain activity at high speeds across large areas. This research can help uncover complex brain dynamics and improve our understanding of various neurological disorders.
Martin Lindquist · Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Martin Lindquist's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on improving how we understand brain activity through advanced neuroimaging techniques. By developing new models that account for individual differences in brain structure and hemodynamic responses, the lab aims to enhance our ability to map brain function to behaviors and mental states. This research has significant implications for identifying and treating mental health disorders and understanding cognitive processes.
Peter A Calabresi · Neuroscience
Dr. Peter A Calabresi’s research lab focuses on understanding how multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses and how we can predict its course in patients. By using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and optical coherence tomography, they study changes in the brain and retina that occur as MS advances. The goal is to develop better tools to monitor patients and guide treatment decisions, ultimately improving care for those with MS.
Jie Xiao · Physiology
The research lab led by Jie Xiao at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how bacteria manage essential processes like cell wall construction and chromosome organization. Using E. coli as a model organism, the team aims to uncover the molecular details that regulate these processes in living cells. They leverage advanced techniques such as single-molecule imaging and computational modeling to study the dynamics and interactions of proteins involved in these crucial cellular activities.
Takanari Inoue · Biology
Dr. Takanari Inoue's lab at Johns Hopkins University studies how cells move and migrate, which is vital for processes like wound healing and how diseases like cancer spread. They focus on the physical characteristics of cell membranes and their interactions with signaling molecules that guide cell movement. By developing specialized molecular tools, the lab aims to understand the complex relationship between cell migration, signaling, and the properties of membranes.
Peter N Devreotes · Biology
Dr. Peter Devreotes' lab at Johns Hopkins University studies how cells move and change shape in response to their environment, which is important for both healthy and diseased conditions such as cancer. The research focuses on how cells coordinate their internal signals and structures to migrate effectively, exploring the molecular interactions that control this motility. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for diseases where cell movement goes awry.
Pei-Hsun Wu · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Pei-Hsun Wu's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding cellular senescence, especially in the context of aging and age-related diseases. By creating three-dimensional maps of tissues like the pancreas, breast, and ovaries, the lab aims to explore how senescent cells are distributed and how they contribute to various disorders. Their innovative approaches combine advanced imaging techniques and molecular profiling to uncover the complexities of these cells within human tissues.
Dara L Kraitchman · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Dara Kraitchman's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for obesity and osteosarcoma using cutting-edge imaging and interventional techniques. Their research includes exploring minimally invasive methods like bariatric arterial embolization and targeted alpha-emitter therapy to improve patient outcomes. The lab uses large animal models to better mimic human conditions, aiming to create safer and more effective treatment options for these serious health issues.
Hey-Kyoung Lee · Neuroscience
Dr. Hey-Kyoung Lee's research lab focuses on understanding how the brain adapts to sensory loss, especially in cases of vision and audition. By investigating neural circuits and synaptic mechanisms in the adult brain, the lab aims to reveal how one sense can compensate for another following deprivation. This work has implications for developing therapies to enhance sensory function in individuals with sensory impairments.
John E Desmond · Neuroscience
Dr. John E. Desmond's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on how the cerebellum contributes to cognitive processes, particularly in understanding sequences in memory and language. The research aims to explore the cerebellum's role in cognitive functions through functional and structural neuroimaging studies in patients with cerebellar damage. By applying techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the lab investigates the brain mechanisms that support sequence prediction and violations, enhancing our knowledge of cognitive functions and related disorders.
Reza Shadmehr · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Reza Shadmehr's lab at Johns Hopkins University investigates how the cerebellum helps control movement. They study neurons called Purkinje cells and how they communicate and coordinate to regulate precise motor actions. By using advanced recording techniques, the lab aims to unravel the neural mechanisms behind movement disorders, such as tremors and dysmetria, which can occur due to cerebellar dysfunction.