Adam Lab

We are undertaking a research program at the interface of neuroscience and metabolism.

Artificial hibernation using anesthesia

What if we could suspend biological activity in the human brain to protect it after a stroke and reanimate it in safe conditions? Through our research, we have come to believe there are neuroprotective hibernation mechanisms that are dormant in non-hibernators and that we could recruit with anesthesia. With experiments on hibernating and non-hibernating rodents, we are combining pharmacology, neurophysiology, and bioengineering to create artificial hibernation and devise new therapies for surgery and critical care.

Neurometabolic-inspired theory for intelligent adaptive systems

Neural networks and plasticity have been used to create far-reaching artificial learning systems. What if we could use metabolic networks and hibernation to create far-reaching artificial adaptive systems? By combining biophysical modeling, engineering methods and in-vivo experiments in rodents, hibernators and non-hibernators, we are deriving systems-theoretic principles from homeostatic mechanisms in neurometabolism and hibernation. With these principles, we can engineer novel biomedical adaptive systems and we can elucidate brain function and physiology to improve critical care and mental health.

Miniature technology for monitoring brain energetics

Brain metabolism is being measured with state-of-the-art systems leveraging nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR). But, these systems can be astronomically large and expensive. What if we could revamp NMR in miniature and affordable technology for neuroscience research? We are revisiting the fundamentals of NMR and creating implantable technology that can be deployed in neurometabolism and hibernation paradigms. With this invention, we could open up new research avenues in neurometabolism.

In addition, there are always exciting problems out there that can have substantial scientific, engineering, or clinical impact. We would love to get involved and collaborate if we can help.

We combine four approaches to research.

Mathematics for complex systems

We use mathematics from systems theory, optimization methods, and decision making to quantitatively capture brain dynamics and function. We also borrow abstract constructs from analysis, algebra, topology, and geometry to formalize new principles for intelligent systems.

In-vivo experiments and animal behavior

We combine electrophysiology, pharmacology, microscopy, circuit-manipulation techniques, and behavior in rodents to examine brain circuits and function. We also develop new experimental methods that could give us new kinds of data and insight.

Biophysical modeling for biological mechanisms

We develop biophysical models of brain circuits to explain brain mechanisms. Using model simulations, we explain how drugs, treatments, or disorders alter brain dynamics and function across scales, from a molecular level to a network level.

Engineering methods for neuromedicine

We develop computational techniques to derive insight from clinical data, to process signals, and to estimate physiological states in real-time. We also engineer technology that can monitor and control brain states and physiology.