The Brainstorm: Spring 2024

UF's Evelyn F. & WIlliam L. McKnight Brain Institute

Spring 2024

Message from the Director, Dr. Jen Bizon

Each spring, I'm inspired by our students' efforts to educate the next generation, as they donate their time to shine a light on our field during Brain Awareness Week. This year, 64 undergraduate and graduate students led activities for 1,200 K-12 students at area schools and hosted a group of homeschool students right here at the MBI.

“I found the day really interesting and it inspired me, and it relates to more things in my life than just what field I’m going into,” said a visiting homeschool student.

Around the same time, our students held the North Central Florida Society for Neuroscience's 14th annual regional conference. We are proud that UF is home to the only student-run SfN chapter in the U.S. This year's conference featured a keynote address by UCSF's Dr. Saul Villeda, a poster competition and consecutive-day data blitzes.

I encourage you to read about all of these student efforts and other exciting neuro research news from across campus in this newsletter.

Neuro students celebrate Brain Awareness Week with K-12 outreach

A total of 64 UF undergraduate and graduate students hosted homeschool students and visited area schools.

North Central Florida SfN hosts 14th annual conference

Novel therapeutics in aging was the theme of a conference put on by the only student-run SfN chapter in the U.S.

Researchers use MRIs to delve into brain aging secrets

Dr. Yenisel Cruz-Almeida and team demonstrate use of common brain MRIs to assess brain age.

Brain stimulation treatment may improve depression, anxiety

Findings reported by Dr. Adam Woods and colleagues suggest improvements among older adults using noninvasive brain stimulation.

New genetic mutation linked to Parkinson’s risk

Dr. Matthew Farrer and team report evidence of a new genetic mutation linked to a greater risk of Parkinson’s.

Together through the good times and the bad

Studies assess Lewy body dementia quality-of-life factors

Dr. Melissa Armstrong leads studies shedding light on LBD treatments and considerations for patients and caregivers.

UF project to improve Floridians’ access to brain injury resources

UF’s Brain Injury, Rehabilitation and Neuroresilience Center awarded Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership grant.

Teenage patient describes pain to doctor

UF, Brooks Rehab team up on grant

Research team is evaluating ways to optimize intermittent hypoxia therapy for people with spinal cord injury.

Unpacking hoarding

Dr. Carol Mathews and colleagues are looking for genetic markers to help spot warning signs of hoarding disorder.

University of Florida Women of Neuro

Our UF Women of Neuro series shines light on the incredible women leading our neuro initiatives. Dr. Erica Dale studies the neurons in the cervical spine that control breathing to develop new treatments and devices for those with spinal cord injuries.

See more Women of Neuro features

MBI member named AAAS Fellow

Dr. Linda Cottler earns one of the most distinct honors in the scientific community.

PeCAN team receives UF Health Shands Quality Team Award

Team led by Dr. Catherine Price seeks to identify older adults with a risk of developing cognitive problems after surgery. READ MORE»

Pioneering UF neurosurgeon makes strides in the clinic and lab

Over the past 11 years on faculty, Dr. Maryam Rahman has continued to make scientific advances in the field as the composition of neurosurgical teams has slowly shifted to include more women. READ MORE»

Neuroscientist presents at National Academies’ Workshop

Dr. Ruogu Fang presented on the bidirectional relationship between AI and neuroscience. READ MORE»

MBI member named Orchid Chair in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology

Ceremony acknowledged Dr. David Vaillancourt's exceptional contributions to the field, specifically within the realm of Parkinson’s research. READ MORE»

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MBI director honored with UF Superior Accomplishment Award for Sustained Excellence

Winners contribute outstanding service, demonstrate efficiency in their work and impact quality of life for students and employees. READ MORE»

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 associate 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:

WUFT The Point podcast (Dr. Jesse DeSimone) — Catching Alzheimer’s early
United Press International (Dr. David Clark) — Walking on curved path can give clues into cognitive decline
Florida Daily (Dr. Duane Mitchell) — UF researchers unlock new frontiers in brain tumor treatments

The Conversation

Check out these recent Conversation piece written by MBI members:

Dr. Mathew Farrer — Newly discovered genetic variant that causes Parkinson’s disease clarifies why the condition develops and how to halt it
Dr. Giridhar Kalamangalam — A century after the EEG was discovered, it remains a crucial took for understanding the brain
Dr. Andrea Merchak — Bacteria in your gut can improve your mood — new research in mice tries to zero in on the crucial strains

The Conversation is a nonprofit, independent news organization publishing trustworthy and informative articles written by academic experts for the general public and edited by a team of journalists. The Conversation reaches 5 million-plus unique readers monthly and then the articles go farther, often picked up by major outlets such as The Washington Post, Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine and the Chicago Tribune.

Contact science writer Michelle Koidin Jaffee or associate director of communications Todd Taylor with your ideas for The Conversation.

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