Dr. Randy Carney's lab at UC Davis focuses on creating advanced drug delivery systems using engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) and studying the environmental and health impacts of nanoplastics. His team aims to improve how drugs can effectively reach the brain while reducing side effects and investigating how polluted nanoplastics can harm health by entering the brain after inhalation. This research combines engineering with biology to find solutions to significant health and environmental challenges.

Dr. John G. Albeck's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how individual cells manage their metabolism, particularly through glycolysis, the process by which glucose is broken down for energy. They use advanced live-cell measurements to explore how different cells in tissues like muscle and liver can vary in their metabolic activities. This research aims to unveil the links between metabolism and other cell functions, such as growth and death, which could lead to new insights into diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Dr. Gerard Arino Estrada's lab at UC Davis specializes in developing advanced detectors for time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET), an imaging technique crucial for diagnosing conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The lab focuses on utilizing thallium chloride (TlCl) crystals due to their potential for lower cost and improved timing accuracy compared to conventional materials. Research efforts are directed towards optimizing these detectors to improve medical imaging applications and enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Dr. Eleonora Grandi's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how atrial fibrillation (AF) affects men and women differently. This research is crucial because women often have worse symptoms and outcomes from AF. The lab uses advanced computational models and experimental techniques to analyze how sex hormones influence heart cell function and arrhythmia risk. Ultimately, the lab aims to develop better treatments that account for these differences.

Dr. Steven Carl George's lab focuses on innovative research aimed at enhancing our understanding of the immune response, particularly in relation to B cells and their functionality against infections like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. They are developing a new microfluidic technology to measure how effectively these B cells can bind to viruses, which could inform vaccine development and improve therapeutic strategies. This work combines engineering and biology to create tools that assess immune health and response.

The Beal lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how proteins interact with RNA to influence RNA editing and interference processes. They explore the workings of certain enzymes that modify RNA, which can affect gene expression and potential disease outcomes. The lab also aims to develop new strategies and tools that could lead to innovative therapeutic applications, especially in the context of cancer and genetic diseases associated with RNA editing.

Dr. Eliza Bliss-Moreau's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the effects of aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) by studying nonhuman primates. The lab develops tools to measure cognitive and emotional health in these animals, exploring how changes in the brain affect memory and emotion. Their research aims to improve early detection of cognitive decline and advance potential treatments for age-related diseases.

Dr. John M Boone's lab focuses on developing advanced computed tomography (CT) systems that enhance imaging quality using multiple X-ray sources. The goal is to create a new X-ray tube design that integrates six sources to reduce common imaging artifacts, which can improve diagnostic capabilities in areas such as dental and general medical imaging. The lab is also engaged in partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate the commercialization of this innovative technology.

Dr. Jie Zheng's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how specific ion channels in cells, known as calcium-activated nonselective cation channels (CAN channels), work to regulate important physiological functions. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the activation and inhibition of these channels, especially how mutations can lead to serious health conditions like cardiac disorders and skin diseases. By using both experimental and computational techniques, the team aims to uncover the rules that govern these channels and potentially develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Johannes W. Hell's lab focuses on understanding how the Alzheimer’s disease-related protein beta amyloid affects calcium channels in the brain. By studying the Cav1.2 calcium channel, the lab investigates how its dysregulation can lead to neuronal damage and impair synaptic function, which are critical in Alzheimer’s disease. This research opens up new avenues for potential pharmacological interventions to combat the early effects of Alzheimer's.

Dr. Robert B Rebhun's lab at UC Davis focuses on studying osteosarcoma in dogs, aiming to improve the understanding of this cancer to eventually enhance treatment for both dogs and humans. By investigating the tumor microenvironment and immune responses in naturally occurring cases, the lab seeks to establish better clinical outcomes for dogs and provide valuable insights for human cancer therapies. This work integrates veterinary science with comparative oncology to bridge gaps in translational research.

Dr. Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the relationship between specialized brain cells called Chandelier (Ch) cells and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By studying how these cells function and their numbers in various brain regions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into the biological basis of autism symptoms. This research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with ASD.

Dr. Abhijit J Chaudhari's lab focuses on understanding and improving the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome, a common condition that causes significant discomfort to many individuals. The lab is working on establishing innovative imaging techniques using Total-body PET/CT to identify and measure key aspects of muscle and tissue health related to myofascial pain. This research aims to provide medical professionals with better tools for evaluating the effectiveness of pain treatments and enhance patient care.

Dr. Karen Shapiro's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how environmental conditions impact the spread of diseases in coastal ecosystems, particularly among marine mammals like sea otters. By studying pathogens that transition from land to sea, the lab aims to reveal how different habitats affect these parasites' transmission and survival. This research is essential for developing strategies to protect wildlife and manage public health threats posed by these infectious diseases.

Dr. Lark Coffey's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding and controlling mosquito-borne viruses, particularly Chikungunya and St. Louis Encephalitis viruses. They investigate how vaccines can protect against these viruses and how viruses interact with their mosquito and bird hosts. By exploring these dynamics, their research aims to inform public health strategies and improve vaccine efficacy in different populations.

Sarah E Tomaszewski-Farias's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how some individuals resist cognitive decline associated with aging and dementias like Alzheimer's disease. The lab investigates factors that contribute to 'cognitive reserve,' which helps some people maintain cognitive function despite brain changes. Their research includes studying the impact of lifestyle factors and subjective cognitive decline across diverse racial and ethnic groups, aiming to enhance public health outcomes for aging populations.

Dr. Charles Decarli's lab focuses on understanding how white matter lesions in the brain affect cognitive functions, particularly in aging populations. They study the impact of vascular risk factors on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, emphasizing diverse groups, particularly Latinos and African Americans, who are at increased risk. Through advanced MRI techniques, the lab aims to develop predictive models that can lead to better management and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments in these populations.

Dr. Karen Zito's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how brain cells adapt and change through experiences, which is crucial for learning and memory. Her team studies tiny structures called dendritic spines on neurons, which are essential for forming connections in the brain. By exploring the molecular signaling involved in spine growth and stability, especially in the context of diseases like Alzheimer's, the lab aims to uncover ways to improve brain health and tackle cognitive dysfunction.

Dr. Rose Ellen Dixon's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects heart function and the mechanisms behind cardiovascular diseases. The research investigates how cellular structures in heart cells malfunction as people age, leading to problems like diastolic dysfunction. By finding out how certain proteins and lipids behave in aging heart cells, the lab aims to uncover new ways to maintain heart health and improve the quality of life for older adults.

Dr. Pamela J. Lein's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how environmental toxins, specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and traffic-related air pollution, affect brain development and contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's. By using advanced animal models, the lab investigates the mechanisms by which these pollutants disrupt normal neurological processes, aiming to inform public health strategies for minimizing risks associated with environmental exposures.