Dr. Wei Zhao's lab focuses on enhancing breast cancer detection through the development of a new imaging technology called the dual-layer flat-panel detector. By creating a system that captures two x-ray images at different energy levels, they aim to improve the accuracy of breast cancer screenings while reducing patient motion artifacts. The lab is dedicated to moving these innovations from the research phase into clinical settings to benefit patients directly.

Dr. Richard Z Lin's lab focuses on developing new drugs to prevent a serious heart condition known as acquired Long Q-T Syndrome (aLQTS), which can cause dangerous arrhythmias. The research aims to identify and test compounds that can safely shorten the electrical signals in heart cells, preventing long-term heart issues associated with certain medications. By studying ion channels and their effects on heart function, the lab seeks to create therapies that are both effective and minimize side effects.

Dr. Prerana Shrestha's lab focuses on understanding how the brain forms long-term emotional memories, particularly in the context of fear and survival behaviors. The research aims to explore specific pathways in the brain that are involved in protein synthesis during memory formation and how these processes are affected in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By using mouse models and various techniques, the lab investigates the mechanisms behind memory regulation and aims to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Maurizio Del Poeta's lab at Stony Brook University explores the biology of harmful fungi, particularly how they infect immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV. The research focuses on understanding the immune response to fungal infections and developing novel antifungal treatments that target specific enzymes unique to fungi, which can help improve patient outcomes. By utilizing mouse models and high-throughput screening, the lab aims to provide new insights and therapeutic strategies against invasive fungal infections.

Dr. Brian Sheridan's lab focuses on understanding how priming affects the development of a specific type of immune cell called tissue-resident memory T cells in the intestine. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which dietary factors, like vitamin A, influence the formation of these cells during immune responses. The ultimate goal is to improve vaccine strategies for gastrointestinal infections and to address issues related to vitamin A deficiency in populations with poor immune responses.

Dr. Ke Jian Liu's lab at Stony Brook University focuses on understanding how intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes brain damage, specifically through a compound called zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP). Their research investigates the relationship between tissue hypoxia, oxidative stress, and ZnPP formation in the brain after hemorrhage. The lab aims to explore whether repurposing certain FDA-approved drugs can provide new therapeutic options to reduce brain injury caused by ICH.

Dr. James B. Konopka's lab focuses on understanding how the fungal pathogen Candida albicans increases its ability to cause infections. By examining the role of the plasma membrane in helping this fungus survive harsh conditions and grow invasively in the human body, the team aims to uncover new strategies for developing better antifungal treatments. Their research combines genetics and microbiology to explore how these mechanisms can be targeted in future therapies.

Dr. Maya Shelly's research focuses on understanding how certain lipids in the brain influence the development of neural structures called dendrites. These dendrites are crucial for forming connections between neurons, and proper development is essential for healthy brain function. Her lab investigates how lipids are transported in nerve cells and how they affect signaling pathways that guide dendrite growth, particularly during early brain development. This work has implications for understanding developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Dr. Edward E Luk's lab at Stony Brook University focuses on understanding unique structures of chromatin, which are crucial for regulating gene expression and cellular processes. By studying specific histone variants and their roles in transcription and chromatin formation, the lab aims to uncover how these structures impact cellular behavior and may be linked to diseases like cancer. The research involves advanced biochemical techniques and models to explore these processes at a molecular level.

Erwin London's lab explores the intricate structure and function of cell membranes, focusing on how the composition of lipids affects cellular processes and responses. Using innovative techniques, the team investigates how the organization of membrane lipids influences the behavior of membrane proteins, particularly receptors that play crucial roles in cellular signaling. The lab's research has implications for understanding disease mechanisms and improving vaccine design.

Dr. Jeannette R. Mahoney's lab focuses on understanding how sensory and motor functions may indicate early signs of Alzheimer's disease. They study how the brain integrates information from different senses, which might serve as early markers for preclinical Alzheimer's. Through their research, they aim to improve our understanding of Alzheimer's pathology and develop interventions that could help older adults maintain their mobility and independence.

Dr. Nashaat Turkman's lab focuses on developing innovative imaging techniques to study brain disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The lab is working on creating a new type of PET probe that targets a specific enzyme involved in brain health, which could help detect Alzheimer's at earlier stages and track its progression. By combining advanced chemistry and imaging modalities, the research aims to enhance our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and improve drug targeting strategies.

Dr. Erich R Mackow's lab focuses on understanding how the Powassan virus (POWV), a tick-borne virus that can cause severe brain damage, infects the central nervous system, particularly in older individuals. The lab studies the differences in how the virus affects young versus aged mice and explores potential treatments to prevent serious neurological damage. By using advanced techniques like genetic engineering and single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms of the virus's neurovirulence and develop strategies that could lead to vaccines or therapies for at-risk populations.

Dr. Alfredo Fontanini's lab focuses on understanding how the brain processes taste and hunger signals to influence feeding behavior. His research investigates how circuits in the gustatory cortex, particularly neurons that release gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), integrate sensory information with internal body states like hunger. By studying these neural dynamics, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind decision-making in taste and eating behaviors.

Dr. Arianna Maffei's lab studies how the brain processes taste and how we learn to like or dislike certain flavors. They focus on specific brain circuits and chemicals that influence our perception of taste, especially when it comes to experiences like food aversions caused by illness. This research not only enhances our understanding of taste but also has important implications for improving nutrition in patients undergoing treatment for illnesses like cancer.

Dr. Ivet Bahar's lab focuses on understanding how proteins function through computational methods, particularly in relation to allosteric modulation and drug discovery. The lab uses cutting-edge techniques to model proteins and predict the effects of mutations, which can inform therapeutic strategies and precision medicine. They combine principles from physics, biology, and artificial intelligence to develop tools that are accessible to other researchers.

Dr. Hwan Keun Kim's lab focuses on understanding how our immune system responds to infections from tick-borne pathogens like Rickettsia. They are exploring the development of vaccines that could protect against these diseases, which are becoming more common in the United States. By studying how these bacteria invade and survive in human cells, the lab aims to create effective immunity and identify potential vaccine candidates.

Dr. Joe Verghese's lab focuses on understanding cognitive decline and dementia, particularly among immigrant populations such as Kerala Americans. The research explores how cultural and social factors influence dementia risk and aims to improve cognitive assessments in primary care settings. By studying the unique demographic of first-generation immigrants, the lab seeks to uncover insights that could aid in early detection and management of cognitive impairment.

Dr. Donghui Zhu's lab at Stony Brook University focuses on developing innovative bioresorbable materials for medical applications, particularly in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular treatments. The lab is exploring new types of staples and stents made from biodegradable metals like zinc to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications associated with traditional materials. Their work aims to create safer and more effective solutions that promote healing while minimizing the need for additional surgeries.