Dr. Jose Francisco Abisambra's lab studies how a protein called tau affects memory and contributes to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). They investigate how abnormal tau interacts with cellular machinery that translates genetic information into proteins, which is crucial for brain function. By understanding this link, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to help those affected by memory impairments related to dementias.

The research lab led by Dr. Lien Nguyen at the University of Florida focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly the role of specific repeat expansions in the CASP8 gene. Their work aims to link these genetic variations to the development of toxic protein aggregates in the brain, which may drive the progression of AD. By investigating these mechanisms, they hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies to combat this widespread and debilitating condition.

Dr. Allison Michelle Andrews' lab focuses on understanding the intersection of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyls, and HIV, especially in the brain. Researchers investigate how fentanyls affect the blood-brain barrier and contribute to HIV replication, while also developing innovative imaging techniques to study HIV reservoirs in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim is to better comprehend how these factors interact and impact health, especially for people living with HIV.

Dr. Daniel P. Ferris's lab at the University of Florida focuses on improving balance training to prevent falls, particularly in older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. They study the effects of visual perturbations, such as briefly taking away visual input during balance exercises, to see how it can aid in retraining the brain's balance systems. The ultimate goal is to identify effective methods for enhancing balance, which can lead to better outcomes for those at risk of falling.

Dr. Donald C. Bolser's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how opioids affect the larynx's ability to protect the airways from aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia. The research involves analyzing central nervous system pathways that control laryngeal reflexes, especially during opioid use, to develop new models that can predict the impact of drugs on airway protection. This work aims to provide critical insights into the neurobiology of laryngeal function and improve clinical outcomes for vulnerable populations such as older adults.

Dr. Marco Bortolato's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding the complex relationship between alcohol misuse and aggressive behavior. By using animal models, particularly mice with specific genetic traits, the lab investigates how early-life stressors and genetic vulnerabilities can lead to increased aggression and alcohol use. The ultimate goal is to uncover mechanisms that could inform better prevention and treatment strategies for these interrelated issues.

Dr. Steeve Boulant's lab focuses on understanding how low oxygen levels in the gut affect the body's ability to fight off viral infections, particularly enteric viruses that can cause severe gastrointestinal diseases. By studying human intestinal epithelial cells and using innovative technologies like organ-on-a-chip, the lab investigates how different types of intestinal cells respond to these conditions and how this knowledge can lead to new treatments for infections and inflammatory bowel diseases.

The lab of Dr. Thomas P Burris focuses on developing new treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's disease using synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of exercise. By targeting specific nuclear receptors in the brain, these compounds aim to enhance cognitive function and reduce the characteristic amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's. The research is significant as it addresses a growing public health concern with over five million Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Lina Cui's lab at the University of Florida focuses on developing innovative therapies for age-related diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. By using a unique CAR-T cell immunotherapy approach, the lab aims to detect and eliminate senescent cells, which play a significant role in aging and associated disorders. The research could lead to groundbreaking treatments that improve health in the elderly population.

Dr. Terence E. Ryan's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding a serious condition called chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), which is a critical form of peripheral artery disease. They investigate how fatty fibrosis, an abnormal replacement of muscle with fat and scar tissue, affects blood flow and muscle function in CLTI patients. By studying molecular signaling pathways, particularly the ciliary Hedgehog signaling, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Dr. Sara N. Burke's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects brain function, particularly how changes in specific brain regions relate to cognitive decline in older adults. With an emphasis on the relationship between individual neurons and brain connectivity, the lab aims to develop interventions that could enhance cognitive abilities in aging populations. They use advanced imaging and neurophysiological techniques to explore these changes in rats, which can provide insights into human cognition as well.

Dr. David J. Clark's lab at the University of Florida focuses on finding new ways to help older adults maintain their cognitive and walking abilities. The lab studies how combining physical exercise with brain stimulation can improve brain function and prevent decline associated with aging. They aim to create effective interventions that specifically target brain areas involved in thinking and walking, which can enhance overall mental and physical health in older adults.

Michael J. Daniels' research lab focuses on developing advanced statistical methods to handle complex data issues in healthcare, particularly regarding cardiovascular health and obesity. The lab utilizes Bayesian machine learning to improve how missing data is addressed in clinical studies, which is crucial in accurately evaluating treatment effectiveness. The research aims to enhance our understanding of how different treatments work and to create better interventions in public health.

Dr. Parisa Rashidi's lab focuses on improving patient care in intensive care units by developing advanced technology for monitoring delirium, a common and serious condition in hospitalized patients. The lab is creating a system called ADAPT that uses sophisticated algorithms and sensors to track patients' mobility and sleep patterns, helping healthcare providers intervene effectively. The research aims to enhance clinical decision-making and ultimately improve patient outcomes in critical care.

Dr. Sarah M. Doore's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, interact with their hosts. The lab specifically studies a group of bacteriophages called Moogleviruses that target pathogenic bacteria responsible for diarrhea. By exploring the mechanisms of infection and replication of these viruses, the research aims to develop new strategies for phage therapy, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant infections.

Dr. Aparna Wagle Shukla's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how progressive resistance exercise can improve symptoms in patients with dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. The lab employs advanced brain imaging techniques such as functional MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study how this type of exercise may lead to beneficial changes in brain function for those suffering from dystonia. The ultimate goal is to enhance treatment options for patients who currently have limited responses to existing therapies.

Mingzhou Ding's lab at the University of Florida focuses on developing advanced AI technologies to generate and understand emotional images. Their research aims to combine artificial intelligence with neuroscience to improve how we study and treat psychiatric disorders related to emotions. This multidisciplinary work has the potential to significantly impact both the scientific community and clinical practices by providing high-quality emotional stimuli and insights into brain responses.

Dr. Christopher D. Vulpe's lab at the University of Florida focuses on how genetic differences influence people's responses to toxic substances. Using innovative CRISPR technology, the lab investigates which specific genes make individuals more or less resilient to environmental toxins. The research aims to enhance our understanding of genetic and environmental interactions, which is crucial for predicting health risks and improving public safety.

Dr. Benjamin Keselowsky's lab focuses on developing advanced enzyme therapies to treat psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The lab studies both tissue-anchored and circulating forms of these enzymes to understand how they can effectively reduce inflammation and restore metabolic balance in immune cells. By innovatively engineering these therapeutic proteins, the lab seeks to bring new solutions to patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Jingchuan Guo's lab focuses on improving diabetes care by ensuring equitable access to the latest glucose-lowering medications for socially disadvantaged patients. With a strong emphasis on data analysis and machine learning, the lab aims to identify patient groups who would benefit most from these treatments and develop strategies to enhance their healthcare outcomes. By examining the intersection of health equity and economic evaluation, the lab works to bridge the gap in diabetes care for those at higher risk of complications.