The McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida e-newsletter

Issue 25, Spring 2022

Message from the Director, Dr. Todd Golde

Dear Colleagues:

Over the past two years, you have moved research forward no matter the obstacles.

In February, we learned the exciting news that the Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery finished No. 4 among all universities and the departments of neuroscience and neurology ranked No. 5 among public universities in the annual Blue Ridge Institute rankings. Overall, UF investigators studying various aspects of neurosciences brought in more than $80 million in NIH funding last year — a figure that has doubled over the last six years.

These rankings reflecting NIH funding show that your hard work is paying off, and I'm proud to be a part of these efforts. UF continues to serve as a leader in neuroscience and neuromedicine research. Read more about this accomplishment and so many others in this newsletter.

As always, thanks for all you do and I hope you enjoy the rest of the spring semester!

UF neuro departments rank Top 5 in NIH funding

UF neurosurgery ranked No. 4 among all universities and UF neuroscience/neurology ranked No. 5 among public universities in Blue Ridge Institute annual report.

UF neuroscience students lead local Brain Awareness Week outreach efforts

During Brain Awareness Week, UF students ignited the curiosity of schoolchildren across Alachua County.

M-B-I's newest rising star: Adythia Gopinath

MBI Rising Stars: Adithya Gopinath

A Ph.D. candidate and graduate research assistant in the department of neuroscience, Adithya Gopinath is the latest investigator to be featured in MBI Rising Stars, a video series highlighting up-and-coming neuroscience researchers at the University of Florida.

Look in the Lab:
Dr. Nancy Padilla-Coreano

New neuroscience faculty member aims to reveal brain circuits that may underlie social behaviors.

Three UF researchers awarded Alzheimer’s Association grants

Drs. Benjamin Chapin, Valerie Joers and Lakiesha Williams all received new Alzheimer’s Association grants.

Study shows TTFields holds promise to potentially trigger immune response against GBM recurrence

New research shows Tumor Treating Fields could stimulate an immune system response against recurrent glioblastoma.

Alzheimer’s disease – the journey of a healthy brain into organ failure

MBI Director Dr. Todd Golde authored a review in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.

Inflammation and immune dysfunction in Parkinson’s

UF neuroscientists authored a review examining latest evidence for disease process and risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month is an opportunity to understand Black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight Black achievement. To celebrate, the MBI and department of neuroscience hosted a data scavenger hunt and brunch. Check out photos from the events below!

UF study finds possible link between tic severity and social media use for teens during pandemic

Half of the 20 teens and young adults surveyed for preliminary study reported that social media negatively impacted their tics.

Pilot program greatly improved wait times for neurological care, UF study shows

Novel “access clinic” dramatically decreased the wait from referral to appointment, improving patient satisfaction.

Behind the Scenes now highlighting: Audrey Natwick

Behind the Scenes with Audrey Natwick

We’re highlighting an employee who has dedicated nearly a decade to helping the MBI community.

University of Florida: Women of Neuro

We are highlighting the women leading our neuro research efforts at the University of Florida. This issue, we're featuring Dr. Malú Gámez Tansey, who co-directs UF's Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease.

AAN reviews aducanumab use in symptomatic Alzheimer’s

Dr. Melissa Armstrong co-authored a review in the journal Neurology discussing new FDA-approved drug.

Ashley Rawls discussing scans in the O-R

UF neurologist named first diversity editor of JAMA Neurology

Dr. Ashley Rawls expands diversity efforts she began as a fellow at Stanford University.

UF experts lead special issue of Experimental Neurology

Dr. Gordon Mitchell served as editor of the journal Experimental Neurology for an issue focused on intermittent hypoxia.

COVID-19 and risk of acute ischemic stroke in elderly

Dr. Alexis Simpkins co-authored a Neurology editorial analyzing a study into risk of ischemic stroke for seniors diagnosed with COVID.

UF, NVIDIA partner to speed brain research using AI

UF researchers teamed with NVIDIA scientists at a hackathon to improve processing speed for UF study led by Drs. Adam Woods and Ruogu Fang.

MRI study unveils key details of brain’s waste-removal system

Findings provide a more complete picture of systems for waste removal from the brain.

Promoting brain health to reduce rates of Alzheimer’s

UF partners with brain health consortium to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

MBI researchers in the spotlight

Journalists regularly reach out to our MBI members for their expertise on many subjects. If a reporter contacts you, please alert assistant director of communications Todd Taylor or science writer Michelle Koidin Jaffee so we can assist with, archive and promote your media endeavors. Here are recent examples of MBI researchers in the news:

• Dr. Karina Alviña (Very Well) — What’s the gut microbiome got to do with depression?

• Dr. Michael Jaffee (Brain & Life Magazine) — The therapeutic value of adaptive sports

• Dr. Aliyah Snyder (New York Times) — The goal is to go fast. Just not too fast.

• Dr. Catherine Price (Gainesville Sun) — Pre-surgery screening helps protect brain health

SEE MORE EXAMPLES OF MBI RESEARCHERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT»

Highlight your work with MBI’s Research Snapshots

Showcase your discovery by pairing an impactful image from your latest published research with a written description of your findings. Share with our MBI communications team and work together to convey how this research has influenced your field of study.

Dr. Erica Dale & Ian Malone's rat-model study found that applying a form of electrical stimulation below a spinal cord injury and in sync with natural breathing rhythm elicited respiratory neuroplasticity. Read the Snapshot »

Drs. Habibeh Khoshbouei & Wolfgang Stre it's postmortem brain study suggests a possible trigger for Alzheimer’s-related pathology. Read the Snapshot »

Reminders from the Communications Team

Please become an MBI member (if you haven’t already), make sure you have a professional headshot, update your UF Health Directory profile and let our communications team know early and often when you have big news or research coming out of your area. All of these efforts will help us shine an even brighter light on neuro research at UF.

Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter