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 Infrared Light Stimulation in Adults with ADHD

Study #2: Effects of Transcranial Infrared Light Stimulation in Older Adults

Study #3: Duration of Action of Transcranial Infrared Light Stimulation in Adults

  • All Adults Eligible: 18 years and older
  • 5 Consecutive Visits: Visit 1 (1 hour); Visits 2-5 (1/2 hour)
  • May be offered to return for future studies
  • Participants Earn: $50 for 5 consecutive visits
  • To Participate

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