What happens in the brain during the early stages of Parkinson's disease? Dr. Jon Stoessl and his team found the brain reorganizes its dopamine networks to compensate for the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, but these adaptations may also contribute to movement and cognitive symptoms.

What is bipolar disorder & how does it affect a person’s mood & daily life? VCHRI researcher Dr. Ivan Torres explains these key questions & highlights how research is shaping more personalized & effective treatment for people living with this condition: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026...

Meet Dr. Ashley Dalrymple! Dr. Dalrymple is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. In the NERVES Lab, she and her team combine engineering, neuroscience, computing science and rehabilitation to better understand the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord.

Congratulations to the 15 DMCBH members who have received funding through 2026 NSERC Discovery Research Program! These investments provide long-term support that enable researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and pursue bold, transformative ideas in a variety of disciplines.

Celebrating 10 years of the NeuroImaging and NeuroComputation Core (NINC)! For over a decade, the NINC has equipped researchers at the DMCBH with advanced imaging and computational tools to study the brain. Looking forward to another decade of discovery, collaboration and innovation!

#LendAHand to help investigators study the use of light therapy & ion therapy as maintenance treatment for people in remission from major depression: www.vchri.ca/research-stu... #YesToResearch #ParticipateInResearch @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

A landmark gift from a UBC alum has catalyzed an interdisciplinary team & launched the Dementia Therapeutics Innovation Initiative, advancing the development of new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease at @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social:

In a recent review published in the @thelancet.com, Dr. Jan Lünemann highlights recent breakthroughs in the understanding of Epstein–Barr virus biology in MS and emerging virus-targeted therapeutic approaches that may ultimately transform both disease prevention and treatment.

Join us in celebrating #WorldBrainDay on July 29! Our virtual event will feature presentations and a panel discussion on how research and brain health practices are expanding beyond traditional approaches to science and care. Register now: www.bcbrainwellness.ca/events/world...

Meet Dr. Hao-Ting Wang, a new Assistant Professor in Data Science in UBC's Department of Psychiatry. Her research is focused on combining cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging and machine learning, with a focus on neurodegeneration and mental health.

A landmark gift from Ken and Sheila McArthur has launched UBC’s Dementia Therapeutics Innovation Initiative, bringing researchers together to develop new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/loyal-d...

June is #ALSAwarenessMonth. VCHRI researcher Dr. Erik Pioro spoke with @globalnews.ca about the symptoms, disease progression & the cutting-edge research & clinical trials advancing our understanding of this conditions: buff.ly/VdvHohl @alscanada.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

In recognition of #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth, here's a look back at an interview with Dr. Shelina Babul on the importance of public awareness for concussions. Dr. Babul is the Director of the @injuryresearchbc.bsky.social and also the creator of the Concussion Awareness Training Tool.

Infection with the Epstein–Barr virus is a major risk factor for #MultipleSclerosis. New research led by Dr. Jan Lünemann shows that it is not only the quantity of antibodies against the virus that matters, but also their functional activity.

Congratulations to Drs. Mark Cembrowski, Corree Laule, Thiviya Selvanathan and Mahmoud Pouladi on receiving UBC Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Awards for 2026! @markcembrowski.bsky.social @correelaule.bsky.social @pouladilab.bsky.social @bcchresearch.bsky.social

Meet @troymcdiarmid.bsky.social, an Assistant Professor in UBC's School of Biomedical Engineering. Dr. McDiarmid is focused on bridging neuroscience and bioengineering to understand brain function. At the core of his work is a powerful idea: what if cells could record their own history?

Congrats to @zachtpennington.bsky.social on receiving the 2026 William & Nona Heaslip–Banting Discovery Award for his work analyzing the brain’s emotion‑related circuits! This award will support his research in identifying novel treatment targets for anxiety disorders.

As the FIFA #WorldCup drives a surge in sports betting, researchers are examining how online gambling platforms are changing the game. @psych.ubc.ca professor @lukeclark.bsky.social discusses gambling disorder, loss-chasing, athlete vulnerability and why platform design matters for reducing harm.

Special congratulations to DMCBH members Drs. Brian Kwon, Mypinder Sekhon and Fidel Vila-Rodriguez!

On May 9, the Dementia LINK team hosted its Open House at the DMCBH. This event provided an opportunity for those with lived experience of dementia to learn more about the biomedical side of dementia research, featuring presentations from three researchers, a networking lunch and various lab tours.

Bipolar disorder takes years to diagnose accurately. What if AI could change that? Dr. John-Jose Nunez breaks down the hidden challenges behind bipolar diagnosis and explains how AI could reshape the way we diagnose. Check out CREST.BD's new series Bipolar Explained here:

New research led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez found that magnetic seizure therapy could offer safer treatment pathway for severe bipolar depression: buff.ly/jMMy1D2 @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

On April 17, the MATRIX-N research cluster and the DMCBH organized "Innovative Approaches to Opioid Use Disorder Management in the Fentanyl Era," an event highlighting a multidisciplinary panel of six leading experts who discussed emerging challenges in opioid use disorder (OUD) care.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jan Lünemann as the inaugural UBC Chair in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Autoimmune Neurology Research! He will lead the BC MS Cell Therapies Translational Research Network, which is accelerating the development of new therapies for MS and other neurological diseases.

On May 7, CLEAR Foundation hosted From Lab to Life, an event showcasing UBC's advances in dementia research. Attendees had the opportunity to step inside different labs of CLEAR-funded scientists, witnessing firsthand innovative technologies, therapeutic approaches and scientific discoveries.

What if a blood test could help detect brain disorders like dementia, concussion & stroke? Led by Dr. Cheryl Wellington, the Core Facility for Neurology Biomarker Innovation (CFNBI) is advancing blood biomarker research to support earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment & improved patient care.

Congratulations to our DMCBH trainees: ⭐Beverley Larssen, Top Graduating Doctoral Student Award ⭐Vivian Li, Rising Star Award ⭐Jacqueline Palik, Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Drs. Cheryl Wellington and Michael Hayden on receiving @braincanada.bsky.social Platform Support Grants! The projects span blood‑based diagnostics for dementia and a national biobank for neurodegeneration, and will strengthen the DMCBH's role as a hub for brain health innovation.

🎵 A new study by @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social researchers found that, in addition to boosting mood & strengthening social connection, online group singing also reduces levels of pain & stress: buff.ly/MxBGGFW @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

The International Brain Initiative, the World Women in Neuroscience, and @neuroethicsubc.bsky.social, are hosting NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide on June 1. Join in discussing the intersections of neuroscience, emerging technologies, and ethical considerations.

Congratulations to the Master’s and PhD graduates of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN), spring class of 2026! 11 trainees are graduating and to celebrate, we asked them to share some of their favourite memories during their time at UBC, their future plans and advice for future students.

Dr. Tara Gaertner, Cynthia Friesen, and their team studied muted and synchronized singing experiences and found that group singing through the @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social program allowed individuals to foster connection through sound and reduce stress, even in virtual settings.

Congratulations to Dr. Shelina Babul for receiving a 2026 YWCA Women of Distinction award for her extraordinary contribution to the well-being of families and communities, particularly her work in identifying gaps in injury prevention, concussion research, and advancing evidence-based interventions!

The MS Walk will take place on May 31! Walk with us to raise funds for MS – a generous donor has matched our donations up to $10,000. Help us meet this donation by joining the UBC MS Remyelinators Team and support the cause by donating here: Thank you for supporting us in raising funds to end MS!

The @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social and the Consulate General of Switzerland are hosting Music, Movement, Mood, and Parkinson's event series with Prof. Dawn Rose. On May 20, Prof. Dawn Rose will discuss her project in a hybrid webinar. On May 21-22, she will host immersive workshops for participants.

Congratulations to PhD student Karina Thiessen on receiving the UBC Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award! www.med.ubc.ca/news/ubc-med...

Congratulations to @kiransoma.bsky.social, @minseonjung.bsky.social and Désirée Seib on receiving the Journal of Endocrinology's 2025 Best Paper Award! Learn more about the paper's findings: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/how-doe...

This #MentalHealthWeek, discover research by VCHRI investigator Dr. Christian Schütz & Karina Thiessen exploring the relationship between cannabis use & mental health: www.vchri.ca/stories/2025... @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social

Dr. Cheryl Wellington and her lab are using simple blood tests to bolster our understanding of neurological conditions and brain health. Learn more: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026... @vchresearch.bsky.social

A stem cell scientist by day and a stand-up comedian and musician by night, @mlithopoulos.bsky.social is on a mission to make us all love science. Two weeks before her wedding, she organized the first "Science, Stand-Up & Song," bringing scientists, comedians and music into one unforgettable show.

The Abdelrahman, Wellington and Ciernia labs, in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of BC, are hosting an Open House at DMCBH on May 9. Join researchers, people with lived experience, caregivers and community members for a day of learning, connection and conversation about Alzheimer’s disease.

What drives us to act and when do we stop? Dr. Milan Valyear (@milanium.bsky.social) is a new @psych.ubc.ca faculty member studying the brain circuits behind reinforcement and disengagement. From childhood tinkering to cutting-edge neuroscience, his work is all about curiosity and discovery.

How do we detect brain injury earlier and improve recovery? Join us April 20 for Repairing the Mind, featuring UBC researchers exploring: 🧠 blood biomarkers for brain injury 🧠 spinal cord repair strategies 🧠 technologies to assess consciousness Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/repai...

Today is UBC Giving Day! At the DMCBH, bold ideas can lead to breakthroughs in brain health — but only with support from you. Your donation helps support student training, strengthen research infrastructure and advance the search for new treatments. Donate now: givingday.ubc.ca/32770/gd2026...

Join us in-person or online on April 15, to celebrate Parkinson’s Awareness Day! Learn about the exciting research happening at the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre, followed by a guided exercise workshop! Learn more and register: www.parkinsons.ubc.ca/2026

As part of a UBC research team, VCHRI investigators Drs. Julie Robillard & Lara Boyd are exploring forearm muscle signals to develop a muscle-based voice control interface, allowing users to speak or sing without using their mouth & throat:

1 in 3 people worldwide is affected by a neurological condition. Research is critical to finding new therapies, improving treatment & bringing hope to patients & families. Support brain health research at @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social this #UBCGivingDay: buff.ly/IVIjsuL

Help fund the future of brain health! Your gift to the DMCBH this #UBCGivingDay supports: 🔬 bold new research ideas 🤝 new collaborations 🎓 student training 🧠 cutting-edge tools and technologies Donate now and double your impact - the first $1000 will be matched: givingday.ubc.ca/32770/gd2026...

Stoked to announce that I’m starting a lab as an Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering and Centre for Brain Health at UBC! mcdiarmid-lab.sbme.ubc.ca Recruiting at all levels - please share the word! Cheers and happy long weekend all!

April is #ParkinsonsAwareness Month! A new study from Dr. Martin McKeown’s lab shows how ultrasound stimulation could help reduce Parkinson’s tremor. This research highlights the potential for safer, more precise and personalized treatments for people living with Parkinson’s disease.