Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 6d

The MBI community gathered on Fridays in September for a new breakfast seminar series that featured leading University of Florida experts sharing strategies for expanding human-based research using emerging technologies.

Learn more: bit.ly/42i4ubq

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 7d

The lab of Dr. Alfonso Martin Peña investigates the neural circuits and genetic pathways that link sleep sensitivity to cognitive function, motivated behaviors and the deficits associated with dementias such as Alzheimer's, Lewy body dementia, FTLD and Parkinson's. #MBI_Labs

1 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 7d

Using MRI scans analyzed by a machine learning system, MBI researchers found that optimism, good sleep, social support and other healthy habits were associated with slower brain aging, even in people living with chronic pain.

Read more: bit.ly/472dTq2

1 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 20d

The MBI has added four new Gator NeuroScholars investigating a wide range of neurological conditions. The postdoctoral fellowship program features a competitive stipend and mentorship opportunities. #PostdocAppreciationWeek.

Learn more about our new Gator NeuroScholars: bit.ly/46dVvu4

1 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 20d

Are you an MBI researcher seeking seed or bridge funding to support your latest neuro research project?

The MBI Accelerator Program (now in its second annual funding cycle) will provide up to $50K for up to 8 projects.

Apply by Oct. 20. Learn more 👉 bit.ly/47UdcOk

1 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 21d

In Nature Neuroscience, MBI researcher Dr. Karim Oweiss & collaborators devised a high-tech way to map wiring between neurons in the living brain of mice, w/ broad implications for tracking changes in Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s before behavioral symptoms manifest.

High-throughput synaptic connectivity mapping using in vivo two-photon holographic optogenetics and compressive sensing - Nature Neuroscience

Using two-photon optogenetics, electrical recordings and sparse signal reconstruction, the authors demonstrate in vivo synaptic connectivity mapping in the mouse visual cortex.

www.nature.com

2 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 22d

Using AI, MBI researchers show a potential new way to improve medication management in Parkinson’s disease. The Proceedings of Machine Learning Research study details a method to predict medication needs up to two years in advance.

Read our latest Research Snapshot: bit.ly/4phhlUW

1 1

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 26d

Another great turnout for MBI's "Brains & Bagels" today featuring Dr. Stefan Prokop.

Prokop was the second speaker for our "Integrating Model Systems and Human Research" series with his presentation "Neuropathology & the Brain Bank."

Join us next Friday: bit.ly/45EQcUn

1 1

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 27d

Congratulations to MBI researcher Dr. Matthew Farrer, winner of the 2025 Tom Isaacs Award from Cure Parkinson's and the Van Andel Institute. The annual award honors a researcher who has shown the greatest impact on the lives of people with Parkinson’s.

Read more: bit.ly/46ieRNk

2 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 28d

A form of early-onset dementia is commonly misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder, delaying potential access to clinical trials. A review by UF researchers identifies a fluid biomarker that could supplement exams for faster diagnosis.

Read more: bit.ly/4mgkstD

1

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Sep 8

MBI researchers: Join us at 9 a.m. Friday for Brains & Bagels: our new seminar series featuring discussions over ☕️ & 🥯

Dr. Stefan Prokop will continue a four-part series exploring how investigators can adapt to NIH's new emphasis on human-based research.

RSVP 👉 bit.ly/4lHRCSL

2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Sep 5

It was a full house for the MBI's first "Brains & Bagels" event featuring Dr. Azra Bihorac.

Bihorac kicked off a four-part series "Integrating Model Systems and Human Research" with her talk "AI in Human-Centered Clinical Research."

Join us next Friday: bit.ly/45EQcUn

1

Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF BRAIN Center @ufbraincenter.bsky.social · Sep 3

This #WorldAlzheimersMonth, BRAIN Center Steering Committee member Dr. Steven DeKosky shares how even mild TBI can impact tau, white matter, and cognition—linking brain injury to Alzheimer’s risk.
🔗 bit.ly/4n73MWg

1 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Sep 3

Congratulations to MBI researchers Drs. Joanna Long & Matthew Sarkisian, winners of 2025 Research Equipment Seed Fund Awards which will strengthen the MBI’s Microscopy Core & Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy facility (AMRIS).

Read more: bit.ly/46ilMr3

1

Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF BRAIN Center @ufbraincenter.bsky.social · Sep 3

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.
At the UF BRAIN Center, we advance neuroresilience by supporting research, rehab, and recovery for those impacted by spinal cord and brain injuries.
Join us in raising awareness.
#SCIAwareness #BrainInjury #NeuroResilience #UFBrain

1 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 28

Don't miss the MBI's first Brains & Bagels discussion, led by Dr. Azra Bihorac, titled "AI in Human-Centered Clinical Research." 🧠🥯☕️

When: 9-10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Where: HPNP Building, Room G-101
RSVP: bit.ly/4lHRCSL
Learn more: bit.ly/45EQcUn
*Coffee and carbs provided*

1 1

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 26

MBI researcher Dr. Michelle Bedenbaugh studies the neural circuits that drive stress, eating and other motivated behaviors.

Learn more about her work and how it intersects with the science of smell and taste: bit.ly/467cdLt

1 1

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 22

Congratulations to MBI researcher Dr. Michael Jaffee, named chair of Brain Injury Association of America's new Brain Injury Action Coalition, which will identify new solutions and accelerate advancements in treatment & prevention.

Read more: bit.ly/4oOhChP

2 2

Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF Health Cancer Center @ufhealthcancer.bsky.social · Aug 21

A new study by @UF researchers and collaborators has found that a popular class of weight loss drugs is associated with lower cancer risk.

Researchers used OneFlorida+, a powerful resource of health records, to reach their findings, published in @jama.com Oncology: go.ufl.edu/6qkxlm4

Weight loss medications linked to lower cancer risk » Cancer Center » UF Health Cancer Center » University of Florida

A new study by UF researchers and collaborators has found that weight loss drugs are associated with lower cancer risk.

go.ufl.edu

2 2

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 21

MBI researchers: Join us Friday, Sept. 5 for Brains & Bagels: our new seminar series featuring discussions 🧠 over coffee ☕️ and carbs 🥯!

Dr. Azra Bihorac will kick off a four-part series exploring how investigators can adapt to the NIH's new emphasis on human based research.

1 1

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 20

The lab of Dr. Jose Abisambra studies tau's role in neurodegeneration, particularly its effects on RNA translation, in various conditions including Alzheimer's and traumatic brain injury. Abisambra is the MBI's associate director for research programs. #MBI_Labs

1 1

Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF BRAIN Center @ufbraincenter.bsky.social · Aug 13

70+ researchers from 15+ UF departments met Aug. 7 for the UF Brain Injury Research Workshop, co-sponsored by UF BRAIN, BREATHE & @ufmbi.bsky.social . Talks, networking & ideas will drive our “Big Ideas” Initiative! 🧠💡
Pitches due Sept. 5: bit.ly/4lhEwvf
Read More: bit.ly/3USfU1g
#braininjury

2 3

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 11

Nature BME study by MBI researchers showing an mRNA vaccine boosted antitumor effects in mice — bringing researchers closer to a universal cancer vaccine — has received media coverage across the globe from CNN Brasil to Daily Mail to CNBC.

Learn more: bit.ly/411c35C

Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

Nancy Padilla-Coreano @drnancypadilla.bsky.social · Aug 7

Together with my colleague @freddysonj.bsky.social I wrote a review about how dopamine shapes our social world.

Learn more here: bit.ly/4m7Hkwf
@ufmbi.bsky.social

How dopamine guides our social world » McKnight Brain Institute » University of Florida

Drs. Nancy Padilla-Coreano and Freddyson Martínez-Rivera published a review in the journal Pharmacological Reviews.

bit.ly

1 4 11

UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · Aug 7

MBI researchers Drs. Jianping Huang and John Ligon have launched a first-ever human clinical trial to test a potential immunotherapy treatment for children with high-grade gliomas, an aggressive type of brain tumor.

Read more: bit.ly/41hSTbV

1 2