Dr. Diaz-Rios Lab

07/26/2025

The Diaz-Rios lab had its annual Bowlapalooza where current summer research fellows get to bowl with me and spend some fun time outside the lab. It was a lot of fun!

12/04/2024

Cannabis Impacts Brain Plasticity via Astrocyte Receptors

Researchers discovered that cannabis affects brain development by interacting with CB1 receptors on astrocytes, not just neurons. Using a mouse model, they showed that removing these receptors impaired the brain’s ability to adapt during critical periods of plasticity, particularly in the visual cortex.

Researchers discovered that cannabis affects brain development by interacting with CB1 receptors on astrocytes, not just neurons.

11/07/2024

Research from John Hopkins University shows that young children grasp possibilities and distinctions between improbable and impossible events well before they can explain them in words. In a new study, two- and three-year-olds were found to learn more effectively after witnessing impossible events, which seem to trigger an intense curiosity.

Toddlers didn’t show a similar learning boost for improbable events, suggesting that impossible occurrences ignite deeper engagement. These findings highlight the value of creating “puzzling” learning moments for young children, potentially enhancing educational approaches in early childhood.

Young children grasp possibilities and distinctions between improbable and impossible events well before they can explain them in words.

10/25/2024

So proud of Ruth Olujobi, research student in my lab who won best health-related research poster at the SNMA Region VII 2024 Regional Medical Education Conference at Harvard Medical School. Ruth has come a long way from a freshman with very little research experience to a full fledge young researcher.

09/06/2024

In a recent breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research, Auburn University scientists have studied a new drug, troriluzole, that can prevent brain changes leading to memory loss and cognitive decline in a mouse model of the disease. This study, recently published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, is the first to show how troriluzole can target early-stage alterations associated with Alzheimer’s, providing new hope for potential treatments.

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En un avance reciente en la investigación de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, científicos de la Universidad de Auburn han estudiado un nuevo fármaco, troriluzol, que puede prevenir cambios cerebrales que conducen a la pérdida de memoria y al deterioro cognitivo en un modelo de ratón de la enfermedad. Este estudio, publicado recientemente en el Journal of Neurochemistry, es el primero en mostrar cómo el troriluzol puede atacar las alteraciones en etapa temprana asociadas con el Alzheimer, brindando nuevas esperanzas para posibles tratamientos.

New research reveals a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer’s treatment, showing that the drug troriluzole can reverse memory loss and cognitive decline in mice. The study found that troriluzole reduced harmful glutamate levels and improved cognitive functions, suggesting its potential to maintain

08/30/2024

Researchers have developed a system that detects genetic markers of autism in brain images with 89-95% accuracy, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

This method, which identifies brain structure patterns linked to autism-related genetic variations, offers a personalized approach to autism care. The technique, called transport-based morphometry, could transform the understanding and treatment of autism by focusing on genetic markers rather than behavioral cues.

Researchers have developed a system that detects genetic markers of autism in brain images with 89-95% accuracy, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

08/28/2024

A new study from Cornell University suggests a way the brain balances itself during sleep. In recordings from multiple areas of the hippocampus in mice and rats, the team discovered a previously undetected brain wave that keeps brain cells in check. Dubbed BARR (for barrage of action potentials), these brain waves reset neurons so they can encode new experiences the next day, while enhancing memories during sleep.

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Un nuevo estudio de la Universidad de Cornell sugiere una forma en que el cerebro se equilibra durante el sueño. En grabaciones de múltiples áreas del hipocampo en ratones y ratas, el equipo descubrió una onda cerebral no detectada previamente que mantiene las células cerebrales bajo control. Estas ondas cerebrales, denominadas BARR (por bombardeo de potenciales de acción), restablecen las neuronas para que puedan codificar nuevas experiencias al día siguiente, al tiempo que mejoran los recuerdos durante el sueño.

These brain waves reset neurons so they can encode new experiences the next day, while enhancing memories during sleep.

07/10/2024

Muy preocupante la mezcla de estimulantes y opioides llevando a una nueva ola de sobredosis en Estados Unidos / Very concerning mix of stimulants and opioids leading to a new wave of overdoses in the United States 

07/10/2024

The summer Diaz-Rios Lab hike was super fun as always! Until next summer!