Dissecting microglial function in neuroinflammation by mapping nitric oxide in real time in the living brain

2016
Yamuna Krishnan, Ph.D.

2016 Scientific Innovations Award
Yamuna Krishnan, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
The University of Chicago

Nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous chemical messenger, is a neuroprotective agent in the brain. It is vital to brain function, as controlled amounts are critical to triggering important signaling mechanisms. NO also causes neurodegeneration, as seen in conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementias. Dr. Krishnan’s lab seeks to spatiotemporally image NO within the living brain, using molecularly programmed DNA-based nanodevices, which would offer deep insights into mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

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Brain Research Foundation
Robert Froemke Ph.D., NYU School of Medicine
The Neuroscience of Families: Social Behavior in Naturalistic Controlled Environments
Animals can work together in groups to achieve specific aims with higher success rates than if acting alone. For communally-living and consociating species such as humans and rodents, group dynamics…
Brain Research Foundation
Ken Prehoda, Ph.D., University of Oregon
Brain Regeneration Dynamics Using the Transparent Fish Danionella Cerebrum
Regenerative medicine may one day enable us to repair brain damage caused by injury and disease. While humans and other mammals cannot regenerate the central nervous system, fish have an…
Brain Research Foundation
Doris Tsao, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Understanding how psychedelics affect top-down belief propagation in the primate brain
Our research will try to understand how special substances called psychedelics can help the brain see the world differently. When people are sad or worried, their brains sometimes get “stuck”…
Brain Research Foundation
James J DiCarlo, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Using Computer Models of the Neural Mechanisms of Visual Processing to Non-Invasively Modulate Brain States
DiCarlo’s research team is exploring an innovative approach to address emotional challenges, such as anxiety and depression. Traditional treatments for these disorders can be complex and often cause unpleasant side effects,…