This project focuses on the brain’s “glycocalyx”—a complex network of sugars on the cell surface, which plays a crucial role in many brain functions including how neurons connect and communicate and how memories are formed and stored. Despite the glycocalyx’s importance in the brain’s response to aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, the exact roles and changes of the glycocalyx throughout life are poorly understood.
Recent data suggest that increased circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to clear the brain and spinal cord of waste is associated with improved outcomes in aging and recovery from brain injury, suggesting that inducing CSF clearing could enhance brain resilience. However, a therapeutic modality for directly inducing CSF clearing has not been available. Recently, this research team has shown that a low-intensity, noninvasive therapeutic ultrasound protocol increases CSF clearing in rodents.
This team aims to use the power of artificial intelligence to make new findings about brain aging, with the goal of boosting brain repair and resilience. They are particularly interested in spatial changes in the brain during aging. Their goal is to understand how aging renders the brain susceptible to injuries that accentuate neurodegenerative diseases. This is an underexplored question because brain injuries are usually not studied from the standpoint of age, and this viewpoint should identify new ways to boost brain repair and resilience.
We are proud to welcome the 2024 Neurosciences Postdoctoral Scholars — ten young scientists pursuing novel, multi-disciplinary approaches to understanding the workings of the brain.
The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University is proud to announce the recipients of its fifth round of Seed Grants.
Interdisciplinary Postdocs and Brain Resilience Scholars will advance knowledge of brain health and aging.
The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural 2022 Innovation and Catalyst Grants.