McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida

MBI researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI tool that generates a 3D map of the brain in mice, providing new insight into the role of metabolism in Alzheimer’s & other neurodegenerative disorders. See how it works in the video????& learn more here: bit.ly/3FDCW7K

University of Florida researchers Michael S Okun, David Vaillancourt and Angelos Barmpoutis have developed AI software that diagnoses Parkinson's disease with over 96% accuracy, far exceeding traditional methods. The "Automated Imaging Differentiation for Parkinsonism" software: - Uses diffusion-weighted MRI technology - Works across all MRI platforms - Distinguishes between similar movement disorders - Could revolutionize treatment options This collaborative effort between medical experts and AI specialists demonstrates how technology can transform health care outcomes. Now headed for FDA approval! ????

Celebrating Brain Awareness Week, University of Florida neuroscience students welcomed 75 homeschool students to the MBI and UF’s Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease for lab tours, brain-related crafts and a Q&A with researcher Dr. Michelle Bedenbaugh. “For the kids to be able to see something like this, I think it shows the collaborative nature of research and something that they also find really interesting and cool — being able to look at a human brain,” said Jose Torrellas, a doctoral student and co-chair of UF’s Brain Awareness Week events this year. Learn more: bit.ly/3DFqdkn

We were thrilled to welcome the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Gainesville Class 51 for a tour of the MBI as part of their Healthcare Day. They visited labs and our MRI facility, spoke with scientists and heard about our research programs. Thanks to everyone who participated! ??????

Today, we welcomed homeschool students to the MBI and University of Florida's Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease for #BrainAwarenessWeek for tours, activities and much more. Stay tuned for a full story later this week!

MBI investigator Dr. Michael Jaffee, an expert in sleep medicine, explains the effects of daylight saving time on our bodies and minds in a TV interview on WGCU Public Media in Southwest Florida. “Forty percent of Americans are not getting enough sleep to start with, and that’s before you lose this one hour of sleep,” said Jaffee, director of UF BRAIN Center and chair of University of Florida neurology.

Congratulations to University of Florida student Devon Borg, an undergrad assistant in the lab of Dr. Habibeh Khoshbouei who has won first place in the AAAS 2025 student e-poster competition in the brain and behavior category! His winning?presentation, “Parkinson's Paradox: α-Syn's Selective Strike on SNc Dopamine Neurons over VTA,” will be highlighted in the April 18 issue of Science.

Our latest MBI Researcher Highlight features Dr. Freddyson Martínez-Rivera, a University of Florida assistant professor of neuroscience who studies adaptive as well as dysfunctional behaviors in conditions such as substance abuse, impaired decision-making and mood-associated disorders. Learn more: bit.ly/4i6N739

Check out the new edition of our e-newsletter, highlighting some of the latest neuroscience and neuromedicine research news across the University of Florida. Read The Brainstorm: bit.ly/3QKzPgE

Congratulations to MBI researcher Dr. Mark Moehle, winner of the 2025?University of Florida College of Medicine?Rising Star Researcher Award. The Moehle Lab investigates the physiological circuitry and behavioral underpinnings of movement disorder symptoms. Learn more?and see all the winners:?bit.ly/4hWBfAq