Gonzalez-Lima Lab

Mission

Our mission is to prevent neurocognitive and emotional disorders, understand the underlying brain mechanisms, and advance innovative non-invasive treatments. 

To this end, we pursue a broad-based methodological approach to elucidate the fundamental and clinical implications of mitochondrial respiration and brain energy metabolism in mental health and age-related brain diseases.

The majority of our projects address long-standing, intractable questions in behavioral neuroscience that have remained unanswered largely due to technical limitations. We are developing new sensitive methods and technologies that measure and manipulate neurobiological mechanisms. These novel tools reveal insights into neurobiology and behavior that exceed the scope of our tested hypotheses. This drives us down exciting pathways of discovery in pursuit of our overarching mission.

Brain energy metabolism remains at the core of our research program. The focus of the laboratory continues to diversify and expand. Our ongoing research topics include transcranial infrared brain stimulation (TILS), near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), neurocognitive enhancement, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, dementia, bipolar disorder and neurotherapeutics.

The Gonzalez-Lima lab directs the Texas Consortium in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin.

 

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ON-GOING STUDIES:

Study #1: Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation and Attention Bias Modification on Anxiety Symptoms

Study #2: Effects of Transcranial Infrared Light Stimulation on Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Adults, adolescents, and children (ages 4-60) with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder are eligible.
  • Compensation:
    • Adult participants and parents/guardians of adolescents and children receive $400 total for 2 in-person visits, and 8 weeks of participation at home.
    • Adolescents and children receive their choice of a toy or $10 gift card for each in-person visit.
  • To Participate

All studies are Approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Texas at Austin.