This research shows that the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus acts not only as a daily clock but also a seasonal energy switch. Studying hibernating ground squirrels reveals how neural activity shifts between high-energy summer states and ultra-efficient winter modes, with implications for metabolism, seasonal depression, and human hibernation.

This research explores how chronic stress reshapes the brain through genetic mechanisms. By studying the stress-regulating gene MeCP2 in mice, the work shows how early-life stress can lock the brain into a heightened anxiety state, revealing biological pathways that may inform future treatments for stress-related mental health disorders.

This research investigates toxic protein fragments involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By studying two TDP-43 fragments in mice and neurons, the work shows that specific fragments cause greater movement deficits and protein aggregation. Identifying the most harmful fragments advances understanding of ALS mechanisms and supports development of targeted neuroprotective therapies.

This research inserts a human-specific DNA sequence into mice to study cerebral cortex development. The modified mice show increased upper-layer neurons and glial cells, revealing how human brain evolution supports higher cognition. These findings improve understanding of human brain specialization and the origins of neurological disorders.

My research investigates AU403, a novel LXR agonist, as a potential treatment for frontotemporal dementia. Using mouse brain slice models, the study shows that AU403 restores damaged myelin, improves neuronal communication, and reverses disease-like symptoms, offering hope for a condition with no approved therapies.

This research develops a new vision test to improve glaucoma detection, especially in short-sighted individuals. By measuring the smallest rapidly flashing visual stimulus rather than the dimmest, the method better distinguishes glaucoma from myopia, enabling earlier diagnosis, reduced misdiagnosis, and improved outcomes for patients at risk of vision loss.

Migraine affects over 10% of people and disproportionately impacts women. This research studies sex differences in brain circuits using mouse models to understand why. By manipulating neural pathways, findings show certain circuits trigger migraine-like sensitivity only in females. Mapping these circuits may enable personalized, more effective migraine treatments.

This study tests whether CBD genuinely reduces anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. Fifty participants will receive either pharmaceutical-grade CBD or a placebo before a stressful mock interview. Researchers will measure subjective and physiological anxiety and scan participants’ brains to detect CBD’s effects, providing the first clinical evidence for or against its effectiveness.

This research develops one of the most advanced human-engineered brain models to better study Alzheimer’s disease and test treatments. Using microfluidic chips containing all key brain cell types, blood-vessel systems, and Alzheimer’s-model neurons, the project enables efficient drug testing, personalised disease modelling, and the possibility of replacing animal testing in the search for a cure.

Fruit flies normally die from sleep loss due to lethal gut inflammation. But a mutant “fumin” fly, which sleeps very little, survives without inflammation. This research investigates how altered dopamine processing protects these flies, offering insight into why sleep is essential and how sleep loss contributes to disease.