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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Dr. Karina Alviña’s lab investigates how environmental factors like stress, diet and exercise influence brain function and cognitive aging, focusing on biological processes that may promote neuroprotection across the lifespan. #MBI_Labs Learn more: alvinalab.org

A group of 13 lab members gather in the courtyard in front of the college of medicine for a team photo

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Postdoctoral fellows are crucial to the success of our research efforts at the MBI. This week, we thank them for all of their contributions. MBI postdocs: There's still time to sign up for this week's Postdoc Appreciation events 🥞🥓📸 🍕. RSVP here 👉 bit.ly/4dJgecq

Two researchers are looking at an experiment

A researcher is using equipment on a participant's head to track brain activity

Two researchers are discussing an image on a laptop

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

What drives behavior that is in the interest of others, versus selfish behavior? New preclinical findings by MBI researchers suggest it’s both genetic background and individual social preferences that influence brain networks. Read our latest MBI Research Snapshot: bit.ly/4gEN9zL

Networks depicting regions functionally connected the brains of mice during social decision making (A), in mice with no social preference (B), in prosocial mice (C) and in selfish mice (D).

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This summer’s UF Summer Neuroscience Internship Program (SNIP) cohort recently wrapped up 10 weeks of hands-on research, professional development and mentorship. Congrats to this year’s interns and all the mentors who guided and supported them along the way. Learn more about SNIP: bit.ly/4gAS3hf

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

🚨 Applications for the Gator NeuroScholars are due Sept. 4! 🚨 The program provides flexible funding, including full support for new postdoc hires & supplemental support for faculty w/ existing postdoc funding. Applicants should defend or complete Ph.D. by Dec 2026. Learn more: bit.ly/GNS-Info

MBI Gator NeuroScholars An enhanced postdoc fellowship at the University of Florida Accelerating academic research careers in the neurosciences Apply today to become an MBI Gator NeuroScholar! Three successful applicants will receive: • Highly competitive stipend (up to $70K) • Up to $10K/yr in research support • Annual travel funds • Mentorship opportunities across the MBI bit.ly/GNS-Info Learn More & Apply by Sept 4, 2026 Questions? Contact Program Administrator Kate Casey-Sawicki at ksawicki@ufl.edu.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Ready to accelerate your neuroscience career at the University of Florida? The MBI Gator NeuroScholars fellowship offers 3 postdocs a highly competitive stipend (up to $70K), research funding, travel support & mentorship opportunities. Apply by Sept. 4: bit.ly/GNS-Info

MBT Gator NeuroScholars
An enhanced postdoc fellowship at the University of Florida
Accelerating academic research careers in the neurosciences
Apply today to become an MBI Gator NeuroScholar!
Three successful applicants will receive:
• Highly competitive stipend (up to $70K)
• Up to $10K/yr in research support
• Annual travel funds
• Mentorship opportunities across the MBI
bit.ly/GNS-Info
Learn More & Apply by Sept 4, 2026
Questions? Contact Program Administrator Kate Casey-Sawicki at ksawicki@ufl.edu.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Our latest MBI Researcher Highlight features Dr. Tracy Centanni Rosen. Her research aims to better understand the root causes of dyslexia and spur the brain’s ability to adapt using noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation to improve reading and language skills.

mbi.ufl.edu

MBI Researcher Highlight: Dr. Tracy Centanni Rosen » McKnight Brain Institute » University of Florida

Her research aims to better understand the root causes of dyslexia and spur neural plasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt, using noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation to improve reading and languag...

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

The lab of Dr. Michelle Bedenbaugh studies neural circuits that drive eating, stress responses and other motivated behaviors, including how individuals choose between satisfying hunger and fulfilling other needs. #MBI_Labs @drmbede.bsky.social Learn more: www.bedenbaughlab.com

A group of eight lab members stands in a courtyard outside the University of Florida College of Medicine.

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Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

Springer Medicine @springermedicine.com · 10/02/2026

Take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of therapeutic #CancerVaccines with Dr. Elias Sayour and find out why he is so excited about upcoming developments. Listen now 🔉 buff.ly/v17FleW #OncSky #CancerTherapy

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

An MBI research team made a preclinical discovery paving the way to test immune-modulating medicines as a potential tool to break the cycle of methamphetamine addiction. The findings were published today in the journal Science Signaling @science.org Learn more: bit.ly/3YufUpU

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

In the lab of MBI researcher Dr. Catherine Flores, M.D.-Ph.D. student Cali Love is developing targeted therapies for glioblastoma and presented her work at multiple international conferences throughout the fall.

bit.ly

Turning questions into cures

UF M.D.-Ph.D. student Cali Love helps transform brain cancer treatment

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

On #GivingTuesday, please join our mission to make your brain and mind healthier. Research is the only way to discover the ways we can all thrive. Will you make a gift today? bit.ly/MBI-GivingTuesday

A collage of scientists working in research labs.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Congrats to MBI researcher Dr. Matthew Gentry, who received a $100,000 @oxfordharrington.bsky.social 2025 Rare Disease Scholar Award. Gentry is developing a therapeutic for Lafora disease, a recessive neurodegenerative disorder that causes childhood dementia. Read more: bit.ly/4igtgza

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

A $100,000 gift from the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation will drive innovation and support early-career researchers in the field through the MBI’s Gator NeuroScholars program. Read more about this generous gift: bit.ly/3LLGrw4

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Congratulations to MBI researcher Dr. Barbara Smith, named a 2025 Rising Star by the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida. She studies breathing rehabilitation in people at risk for mechanical ventilator dependence. Learn more: bit.ly/49MB3T7

youtube.com

Barbara Smith named Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida 2025 Rising S

YouTube video by UF Health

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

A new study led by MBI researcher Dr. Aliyah Snyder finds that current tools for evaluating traumatic brain injuries in menopausal women may overlook how hormone changes affect recovery. Learn more: bit.ly/4hLKtAt

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Congrats to Dr. Leah Reznikov, MBI Gator NeuroScholar Dr. Pedro Trevizan Bau and team on their study's selection by @apspublications.bsky.social as a top recent article in physiological research. The study uncovers new potential targets for asthma therapy. Learn more: bit.ly/3Jyflry

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Congrats to MBI researcher Dr. Eric Wang, the UF Innovate Innovator of the Year for his work in neuromuscular & neurological diseases, as well as RNA biology. Dr. Christine Schmidt's team was also honored as a recipient of the Innovation Fund. Read more: bit.ly/43epsbE

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Is a healthy dose of fear normal as we approach the spookiest night of the year? How does fear affect the brain and body? MBI researchers Drs. Carol Mathews and Joseph McNamara weigh in.

news.drgator.ufl.edu

Boo! Medical experts describe fear’s effects

UF College of Medicine experts weigh in on how fear affects the mind and body

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Congratulations to Drs. Adithya Gopinath and Zachary Sorrentino for winning 2025 Toffler Trust Scholars Awards for researchers whose early-stage projects hold potential to drive meaningful scientific breakthroughs. Learn more: bit.ly/3X4w3BM

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

The COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines developed during the pandemic could spark the immune system to fight cancer, according to new research published in @nature.com. Christiano Marconi, a researcher in MBI investigator Dr. Elias Sayour’s lab, explains in @us.theconversation.com.

theconversation.com

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment – new research

The researchers found that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines could potentially help patients whose tumors don’t respond well to traditional immunotherapy.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Zahra Hasanpour-Segherlou — a postdoc in MBI researcher Dr. Brian Hoh's lab — on receiving a 2025 Brain Aneurysm Foundation grant for her project investigating a new therapeutic strategy to protect the brain after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Learn more: bit.ly/47mvkBV

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

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.

nature.com

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.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

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

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Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF BRAIN Center @ufbraincenter.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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

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Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF BRAIN Center @ufbraincenter.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

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*

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

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

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Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF Health Cancer Institute @ufhealthcancer.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

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

go.ufl.edu

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.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

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.

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

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

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Reposted by UF McKnight Brain Institute

UF BRAIN Center @ufbraincenter.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

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

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UF McKnight Brain Institute @ufmbi.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

In Pharmacological Reviews, MBI researchers Drs. Nancy Padilla-Coreano and Freddyson Martínez-Rivera examine dopamine’s role in social behaviors and how its dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders like autism could affect social interactions. Read more: bit.ly/4m7Hkwf

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