Burns Laboratory

Network dysfunction cellular pathology affect on cognitive impairment and disease progression

Our brains rely on complex distributed networks of neurons to function throughout our lifespans, and many neurodegenerative diseases represent dysfunction of these networks at fundamental levels. Despite advances in our knowledge of genetic, environmental, and dietary risk factors, the greatest risk for neurologic disease is age.

The Burns Lab, led by Dr. Matthew R. Burns at the Fixel Institute studies the interaction between ageing and neurodegenerative disease with a focus on network dysfunction, and non-invasive neuromodulatory therapies for cognitive and affective dysfunction.

Through complex behavioral assessments, high-field MRI imaging, optogenetics and immunohistochemical assays in animal models, the lab targets specific functional networks through non-invasive neuromodulation to understand fundamental mechanisms of disease and targets for disease-modifying therapies.

Research Projects

Learn and read about the research taking place at the Burns Laboratory at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health.

Recent News

Contact the Lab

McKnight Brain Institute, 3rd Floor
1149 Newell Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611



Funding & Awards

Dr. Burns's Lab Funding - NIH NIA logo, MBI Foundation logo, Harry Mangurian Logo, Parkinson's Foundation Logo

K08 AG071983
Pepper Scholars Award