Fall 2024 BSCIRTF Seed Awards

UF BRAIN Center Announces BSCIRTF Seed Awards for Groundbreaking Research Projects 

The University of Florida’s Brain Injury, Rehabilitation, and Neuroresilience (BRAIN) Center is proud to announce the recipients of the Fall 2024 Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust Fund (BSCIRTF) Seed Awards. These prestigious grants, aimed at advancing research in brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders, will fund five innovative projects. The awards highlight interdisciplinary collaborations across departments and pioneering approaches to diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries (TBI), neurodegenerative diseases, and post-anoxic conditions. Here are the awarded projects and their focuses: 

  1. A Survey on Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Practices for Post-Anoxic Status Epilepticus (PASE) 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Carolina Maciel 
    This project addresses the critical challenge of treating post-anoxic status epilepticus (PASE), a severe complication faced by cardiac arrest survivors. Through a broad international survey of clinicians, Dr. Maciel aims to assess the variability in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PASE. The findings will support the development of the ViPER-STAT clinical trial, exploring a novel therapeutic approach using vigabatrin to control PASE. 
  1. Impact of Repetitive Mild TBI in Metabolic Dysregulation and Tauopathies 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Sakthivel Ravi 
    Dr. Ravi’s research investigates how repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) affect metabolic regulation and contribute to the development of tauopathies, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Using innovative mass spectrometry imaging techniques, this study will explore the link between rmTBI and the exacerbation of tau pathology, providing insight into potential diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets. 
  1. From Symptoms to Structure: Exploring mTBI through MRI and Deep Learning Techniques 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Abbas Babajani-Feremi 
    This project utilizes cutting-edge MRI technology and deep learning models to identify brain regions where volumetric changes are linked to specific symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). By developing biomarkers for mTBI diagnosis, this study will enhance our understanding of the long-term effects of these injuries and lead to better treatment and recovery strategies. 
  1. Effects of tDCS on Mitochondrial Functions in Aging Rat Brains: A Metabolic Analysis by Hyperpolarized 13C MRI 
    Principal Investigators: Dr. Chalermchai Khemtong & Dr. Aprinda Indahlastari Queen 
    This interdisciplinary study examines how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can restore mitochondrial function in aging brains, potentially mitigating the effects of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Using hyperpolarized 13C MRI, the researchers will track metabolic changes in rats, laying the foundation for future studies on the use of tDCS in therapeutic settings. 
  1. Wireless Brain Glucose Sensors for Traumatic Brain Injury Research 
    Principal Investigators: Dr. Adam Khalifa & Dr. Sara Burke 
    This innovative project seeks to develop wireless brain glucose sensors to monitor glucose levels in real time, providing crucial data on metabolic changes after traumatic brain injuries. The device, designed for minimal invasiveness, represents a breakthrough in how researchers and clinicians can track brain metabolism, potentially leading to more precise interventions in the treatment of TBI. 

These five projects represent significant strides in neurological research, particularly in traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. The BSCIRTF Seed Awards will provide crucial funding to advance these innovative studies and foster collaborations across departments and disciplines. Each project aligns with the mission of the BRAIN Center to push the boundaries of neuroscience and improve patient outcomes. 

Stay tuned for updates on these projects as the investigators move forward in their research endeavors.