Research Projects

Local CNS and Systemic Inflammatory Effects Following Space Radiation

A major issue confronting future space explorers is the risk arising from exposure to radiation in the environment beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere. The risks include chronic exposure to low level cosmic rays comprised of high energy particles (HZE) that cannot be effectively shielded against with current spacecraft technologies.

Learn more about Local CNS and Systemic Inflammatory Effects Following Space Radiation

Mitigation of Brain Inflammation and Cognitive Impairment after Radiation Injury

Neurocognitive deficits are clearly associated with radiation therapy, particularly in children where they represent a major detrimental side effect of life-saving procedures. Long-standing changes in brain function have also been described in individuals exposed to radiation in the setting of radiological accidents (e.g Chernobyl).

Learn more about Mitigation of Brain Inflammation and Cognitive Impairment after Radiation Injury

Role of Interleukin-1 in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathogenesis

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia in our aging population, affecting as many as 40% of people over the age of 85. Morphological changes in microglia and astrocytes known as activation, as well as local production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and complement components were described over 20 years ago.

Learn more about Role of Interleukin-1 in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathogenesis