Arieh Warshel — Dr. Arieh Warshel's lab focuses on using advanced computer simulations to understand complex biological processes at the molecular level. By studying enzymes and protein functions, they aim to develop better drugs and treatments for diseases like COVID-19. Their research combines theoretical modeling with practical applications, contributing to fields such as drug design and enzyme engineering.
Arthur A Stone — Dr. Arthur A. Stone's lab focuses on improving how we measure people's everyday experiences using innovative methods like Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and Experience Sampling Method (ESM). These techniques help psychologists gather data about emotions, behaviors, and thoughts as they occur in real time, rather than relying on memory-based questionnaires. This research aims to enhance the accuracy and relevance of psychological assessments, providing more insight into human behavior in daily life.
Neda Jahanshad — Dr. Neda Jahanshad's lab at the University of Southern California focuses on understanding the brain's white matter circuitry, which is essential for communication between neurons. The lab collaborates with the ENIGMA consortium to perform large-scale studies that link genetic factors to variations in white matter associated with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression. Through sophisticated neuroimaging techniques and data integration tools, the lab aims to advance our knowledge of how brain structure relates to mental health conditions and offers publicly accessible platforms for other researchers.
Laurent Itti — Dr. Laurent Itti's research lab focuses on developing innovative technologies to assist visually impaired individuals through enhanced visual aids. The team is creating smart eyeglasses equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and machine vision algorithms that provide real-time situational awareness. These glasses will not only respond to user commands but will also proactively assist users in day-to-day tasks, making technology more accessible and improving the quality of life for visually impaired persons.
Kai Chen — Dr. Kai Chen's lab at USC focuses on improving cancer imaging techniques, specifically through the development of a new PET imaging tracer called [18F]FMAU that measures cancer cell proliferation. The lab is leveraging innovative droplet radiochemistry technology to enhance the production of this tracer, making it faster, safer, and more widely accessible for clinical use. This research aims to provide better tools for assessing tumor responses to treatments, ultimately improving patient care and therapeutic outcomes.
Richard M Leahy — Dr. Richard Leahy's lab focuses on developing advanced software tools for analyzing brain imaging data, particularly from electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Their primary project, Brainstorm, provides a user-friendly platform that researchers can use to visualize and analyze complex brain activity data. This lab is at the forefront of making neuroscience research more accessible and reproducible through open-source software innovation.
Myron Goodman — Dr. Myron Goodman's lab focuses on understanding how certain bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, which is a serious health issue worldwide. They study an enzyme called Rum DNA polymerase that causes mutations in bacteria, helping them to quickly become resistant to drugs. By exploring how these mutations occur, the lab aims to find ways to combat antibiotic resistance.
Peter Kuhn — Professor Peter Kuhn's lab focuses on developing advanced liquid biopsy technologies to improve early cancer detection. The research aims to refine and validate tests that can detect cancers like breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and multiple myeloma through blood samples rather than invasive procedures. By analyzing markers in the bloodstream, the lab seeks to create more effective screening tools that integrate various molecular techniques and collaborations with clinical partners.
Robert Rissman — Dr. Robert Rissman's lab focuses on Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals with Down syndrome and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The research aims to develop personalized treatment strategies by using plasma biomarkers to understand the disease's progression and different responses to therapies. By analyzing these biomarkers, the lab hopes to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for Alzheimer's disease, especially within underrepresented populations.