Dr. Christopher A Ahern's lab studies how voltage-gated ion channels impact heart function and disease. They use innovative chemical and genetic tools to investigate how these channels operate at the molecular level, particularly in relation to arrhythmias and sodium channelopathies. Their research aims to improve understanding of cardiovascular diseases and develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Vladimir Badovinac's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how radiation exposure affects the immune system, particularly memory CD8 T cells that are crucial for fighting infections. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind radiation-induced immune dysfunction and identify strategies to improve the function and numbers of these important immune cells after exposure. Their research could lead to better medical countermeasures for individuals exposed to radiation, whether accidentally or intentionally.

Dr. Kim L Blackwell's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how female sex hormones, specifically estradiol, affect brain function related to addiction and learning. The research explores how estradiol impacts synaptic connections in the brain's reward centers and how this might differ between males and females, particularly concerning cocaine use. The lab's work aims to unravel the complex interactions between hormones and drug behaviors, and ultimately improve treatment strategies for substance use disorders in women.

Dr. Vincent A. Magnotta's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to understand brain metabolism and its relation to neurological and psychiatric disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder. Their research aims to develop high-resolution imaging methods that can identify metabolic changes in the brain, helping to improve diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of these conditions. The lab's studies also explore the role of the cerebellum in mood regulation and suicidal behavior, contributing to the development of potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. David S. Weiss's lab focuses on understanding the structure and function of unique enzymes in the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, which is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. By researching these enzymes, the lab aims to develop new antibiotics that target C. difficile without harming beneficial gut bacteria. This work is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and addressing public health issues related to bacterial infections.

Dr. Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins' lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how adverse childhood experiences, like abuse or neglect, can lead to cardiovascular disease in adulthood through mechanisms such as poor sleep. The research aims to explore the connection between sleep quality and vascular function, particularly in young adults who have faced these traumatic experiences. By improving sleep, the lab hopes to find ways to enhance heart health for those affected by these early life stressors.

Dr. Christopher S. Coffey's lab focuses on enhancing the efficiency of clinical trials for neurological disorders through the Network of Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT). The lab aims to bridge the gap between recent scientific advances in neuroscience and the availability of effective treatments for various neurological conditions, supporting both adult and pediatric populations. By developing robust data management systems and facilitating collaboration among clinical researchers, the lab seeks to improve the quality and speed of clinical trials in neuroscience.

Dr. Kai Hwang's research at the University of Iowa focuses on how specific brain structures, particularly the mediodorsal thalamus, influence our ability to adapt our thinking and behaviors to changing environments. By studying the neural mechanisms of cognitive flexibility, this lab aims to advance our understanding of cognitive disorders like schizophrenia and ADHD. The findings could improve diagnostic and treatment approaches for these conditions, ultimately benefiting public health.

Dr. Nandakumar Narayanan's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). They study how brain rhythms relate to attention, memory, and cognitive control in PD patients, with the goal of developing new treatments. By exploring the interactions between brain activity, genetics, and novel therapies, the lab aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with PD and related dementias.

Dr. Rajalekshmy Shyam's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), a condition that causes vision loss and currently has no cure. By using a newly developed mouse model that exhibits FECD characteristics, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive the disease's onset and progression. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapies and promote corneal health.

Dr. Craig D Ellermeier's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, which is responsible for serious gut infections. His research aims to understand how this bacterium assembles its protective cell envelope, which could help develop targeted antibiotics that don't harm beneficial gut bacteria. The lab uses various techniques, including genetics and microscopy, to investigate the unique features of C. difficile and its resistance to treatments.

Dr. Gordon F Buchanan's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how seizures affect the brain's ability to respond to carbon dioxide, which may play a role in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). By using advanced mouse models, the lab investigates the mechanisms of arousal impairment surrounding seizures and explores potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate risks associated with epilepsy.

Dr. Dustin May leads a research lab focused on enhancing food safety and public health through rigorous testing of food products for contaminants. The lab collaborates with state and federal agencies to monitor food safety and respond effectively to potential foodborne threats. Their work involves developing and validating analytical methods for detecting various contaminants including microbiological, chemical, and radiological agents in food.

Dr. John H Freeman's research lab focuses on understanding how the cerebellum, a part of the brain traditionally associated with movement, also plays crucial roles in learning and cognition. Through studies in rats, the lab investigates how the cerebellum interacts with other brain regions, such as the anterior cingulate and hippocampus, to enhance learning processes. These findings aim to inform treatments for cognitive impairments related to neurological disorders.

Dr. W Scott Moye-Rowley's lab at the University of Iowa explores how certain genetic changes in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus help it resist antifungal drugs. They specifically study a gene called cyp51A, which is critical for drug resistance, and aim to understand how mutations in this gene influence its expression and the fungus's ability to survive drug treatment. The research has significant implications for improving treatment strategies against serious fungal infections.

Dr. Anna Stanhewicz's lab at the University of Iowa studies how gestational diabetes affects women's health, specifically focusing on microvascular function. After pregnancy, women with a history of gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The lab investigates the role of oxidative stress and how it impacts blood vessel function, aiming to find effective treatment strategies to improve health outcomes for these women.

Dr. Qiang Zhang's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding Alzheimer’s disease, particularly how glucose metabolism impacts the progression of the disease. They use rodent models to investigate the role of glycolysis in neurodegeneration, with the goal of developing new treatments. The lab’s research may lead to innovative therapies that could change the way Alzheimer’s disease is managed.

Dr. Richard J Roller's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how herpesviruses assemble by examining the interactions between viral proteins. By using innovative techniques such as directed evolution and chimeric viruses, the lab aims to discover critical protein interactions that are essential for viral assembly and could lead to improved viral therapies and vaccines.

Dr. Li Wu's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on developing new strategies for treating HIV/AIDS by studying how the virus interacts with human immune cells. The main research involves exploring the role of specific RNA modifications in HIV-1, understanding the mechanisms that help the virus persist despite treatment, and investigating how host proteins can influence the immune response to HIV. Their work aims to uncover fundamental insights that could lead to more effective therapies for HIV infection.

Dr. Hillel Haim's lab focuses on understanding how HIV-1 can develop resistance to therapeutic treatments. The research aims to personalize medicine for HIV patients by predicting which viruses are likely to escape treatment. By studying the virus's genetic properties and how they change over time, the lab works towards developing strategies for more effective antiviral therapies.