Groups in this research focus work to unravel clues to better understand diseases of the nervous system, with hopes that such endeavors may one day lead to treatment and cures. Applications of sophisticated techniques such as whole brain neuroimaging combined with molecular biology and genetics has enabled exciting advances in this area, making critical steps toward translation. Some specific areas of focus include:
- cell death and neuroprotection in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- ischemia
- aging
- cell and gene therapy, including embryonic stem cell research (pioneered here at the UW-Madison)
- epilepsy
- disorders of myelination, such as multiple sclerosis
- mechanisms of pain
- cardiac arrhythmia
- retinal degeneration
- hereditary spastic paraplegia
- glioblastoma multiforme
- neuromuscular diseases
- disorders of emotional and mental health such as the neural basis of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and addictions
