New York University · BiologyAddiction Neurobiology Unit
Niels Ringstad · New York, New York
Research Focus
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.
addictionneuromodulator signalingnatural productsC. eleganspsychoactive compounds
Research Aims
5AIM 01Discover small-molecule modulators of addiction-related neurochemical pathways.
AIM 02Screen microbial metabolites for effects on C. elegans behavior.
AIM 03Identify specific neuromodulator systems affected by natural compounds.
AIM 04Develop high-throughput screening methods for drug discovery.
AIM 05Evaluate behavioral impacts of new psychoactive compounds.
Skills the Lab Values
behavior-based screeningC. elegans geneticspharmacological assaysneurotransmitter analysisnatural product extraction
Output against the department
Publications57bottom 14% of dept.886th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations4.3kbottom 32% of dept.698th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.