Deng Lab

We are pleased to share that our recent publication in The Journal of Neuroscience has been selected as Featured Research by the Journal of Neuroscience. This distinction highlights studies that are considered particularly important, novel, and broadly impactful in the field. As part of this recognition, our work has been featured on the journal’s platform and promoted across multiple scientific communication channels. Our study demonstrates a clinically feasible strategy using the...

We are excited to share our latest publication in The Journal of Neuroscience titled “Repurposing Dexmedetomidine: Early Pharmacological Hypothermia Enhances Neuroprotection and Improves Locomotor and Bladder Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury.” DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0007-26.2026 In this study, we demonstrate that dexmedetomidine (Dex), an FDA-approved drug, can induce rapid pharmacological hypothermia after spinal cord injury, providing a clinically feasible and equipment-free...

We were honored to host Dr. Mark Burns, PhD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Neuroscience at Georgetown University Medical Center, during his visit to Stark as a candidate for the ISCBIRG Center Director position. As part of his visit, Dr. Burns delivered a seminar titled “Synaptic plasticity as a therapeutic target for cognitive restoration after repetitive head impact exposure.” His research focuses on how repeated head impacts disrupt synaptic plasticity and destabilize memory circuits, with...