Niels Ringstad's research lab at NYU focuses on discovering new treatments for addiction by studying natural compounds from microbes that can influence brain signaling. Using a microscopic worm called C. elegans, the lab explores how these compounds affect specific neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction. Their work aims to identify novel small molecules that can better regulate neurochemical pathways linked to human behavior and impulse control.

Dr. Yvonne W. Lui’s lab focuses on improving MRI technology to investigate brain injuries, specifically mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). By applying advanced sodium MRI techniques, the research aims to identify unique imaging biomarkers that can better understand the damage caused by such injuries and lead to improved treatment options. This work is crucial as it has the potential to unravel the complicated biological changes following MTBI, offering new avenues for developing effective therapies.

Dr. Kenneth Stapleford's lab investigates how certain viruses, particularly alphaviruses like Chikungunya, infect humans and spread through insect vectors. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, his team aims to reveal how viral proteins adapt to different hosts and environments. This research can inform efforts to combat viral diseases and improve public health.

Michael J. Garabedian's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for prostate cancer, particularly in cases where standard anti-androgen therapies fail. They are exploring a new class of molecules called peptoid conjugates, designed to effectively antagonize the androgen receptor and stop tumor growth. In addition to their anti-cancer properties, these peptoids may also stimulate the immune system to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.

Dr. Benjamin R. Tenoever's lab focuses on how cells defend themselves against viral infections. They study a complex formed by the enzyme Drosha and the RNA-induced silencing complex, known as the ADAR-RISC Complex, which plays a role in antiviral responses. By understanding how this complex works, researchers hope to develop new therapies that can better combat viral diseases.

Karim Jean Armache's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how the addition of methyl groups to DNA (a process called DNA methylation) is altered in cancer. Specifically, they study a protein called DNMT3A1 that is important for adding these methyl groups and how its activity is regulated by different chemical modifications on histones, which are proteins that package DNA. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for targeting cancer through epigenetic approaches, potentially leading to more effective and less toxic treatments.

The research lab led by Dr. Paramjit S Arora at New York University focuses on understanding how proteins interact with other biomolecules and developing innovative synthetic proteins that can mimic these interactions. The lab aims to create new therapeutic strategies to target dysfunctional protein and RNA interactions that are linked to various diseases. This work has the potential to contribute significantly to the field of medicinal chemistry by offering new tools for drug development.

Dr. David Schneider's lab at NYU studies how the brain processes sounds we make ourselves, particularly in skills like speaking and making music. By using mice as model organisms, his team investigates how neural networks in the auditory cortex respond to sound and how they help us learn and correct our behaviors based on what we hear. This research enhances our understanding of the brain circuits involved in learning through auditory feedback.

Professor Joel G. Belasco's lab at New York University School of Medicine focuses on understanding how bacterial messenger RNA (mRNA) is degraded. This research is crucial for determining how gene expression is regulated in bacteria, especially in relation to their pathogenesis and response to antibiotics. The lab investigates unique RNA modifications and uses various molecular techniques to uncover how these processes affect bacteria in different environments.

Dr. Jayeeta Basu's lab at NYU School of Medicine focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in memory and how they are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). By studying specific types of inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets to improve memory function in patients suffering from early stages of AD. The research combines advanced techniques in neuroscience, including imaging and electrophysiology, to explore the resilience and vulnerability of these circuits in both animal models and human brain samples.

Dr. Jef D Boeke's lab at NYU School of Medicine focuses on understanding how genes are regulated within our genomes. They create and manipulate large DNA constructs to study the effects of genetic elements on gene expression, with potential applications in gene therapy and biotechnology. The lab offers exciting opportunities for undergraduate students to be directly involved in these transformative research projects.

Dr. Yiqiu Shen's lab focuses on improving breast cancer screening through advanced technology. They are developing an artificial intelligence system to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasound screenings for women with dense breasts. By analyzing large datasets of mammographic and ultrasound images, the lab aims to personalize who requires additional screening, ultimately reducing unnecessary procedures and improving patient care.

Dr. Jennifer Cantrell's lab at NYU focuses on improving smoking cessation strategies specifically for individuals living with HIV. The lab employs innovative approaches to address the unique barriers faced by these smokers in clinical settings. By using a method called Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), the team aims to develop a cost-effective and sustainable smoking cessation package that could improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Dr. Pau Castel's lab focuses on understanding rare neurogenetic disorders and their associated molecular mechanisms, particularly Schwannomatosis, which involves the growth of nerve tumors. The research aims to identify how genetic mutations affect Schwann cells and contribute to tumor formation, and to explore potential treatments. The lab also studies the roles of non-classical RAS oncoproteins in cancer, looking for new ways to target these molecules for better cancer therapies.

Yingkai Zhang's research lab focuses on using advanced computational techniques and machine learning to design new drugs that can specifically target protein-protein interactions (PPIs). These interactions are crucial for controlling cellular activities, and misregulations can lead to diseases. The lab combines innovative design strategies with experimental collaborations to create and optimize molecular 'modulators' that can help treat various medical conditions.

Dr. Ana Rodriguez's lab at NYU School of Medicine investigates how cerebral malaria disrupts the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to severe neurological symptoms and death. The lab focuses on understanding the role of the malaria parasite and its byproducts in this process, aiming to identify new potential treatments. Using cell models and animal studies, they are exploring molecular mechanisms that could help develop innovative therapies for this serious condition.

Dr. Leigh Charvet's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for cannabis addiction, particularly using a combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mindfulness techniques. Their research aims to create an accessible home-based intervention that utilizes telehealth technology to help people recover from cannabis use disorder (CUD). By conducting clinical trials, the lab seeks to validate the efficacy of their approach and refine methods to ensure safety and effectiveness for participants.

Katelyn Guastaferro's lab focuses on equipping parents with the skills and knowledge needed to prevent child sexual abuse (CSA). They have developed a program called Smart Parents Safe and Healthy Kids, which adds important prevention concepts to existing parent education programs. Their research aims to understand how these programs can effectively be implemented to improve community safety and reduce CSA rates, making a significant public health impact.

Dr. Simon Henin's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how our brains learn from experiences using statistical learning, a key process in acquiring language and other cognitive skills. By combining advanced imaging techniques with direct recordings from the brains of patients, the lab aims to reveal how different regions of the brain, particularly the cortex and hippocampus, interact while we learn. This research could lead to new insights and therapies for cognitive deficits associated with neurological disorders.

Dr. David J. Heeger's lab at New York University focuses on understanding how neural circuits in the brain support various cognitive functions such as attention and working memory. They utilize computational models called Oscillatory Recurrent Gated Neural Integrator Circuits (ORGaNICs) to simulate and analyze key brain activities. The lab's research aims to provide a theoretical framework for how these neural computations can reveal insights into brain disorders and improve diagnosis and treatment.