Since 2013, the NIH NeuroBioBank (NBB) has catalyzed scientific discovery through the centralization of resources aimed at the collection and distribution of human post-mortem brain tissue to understand conditions of the nervous system. The NBB network distributes samples to the research community studying neurological, developmental, and psychiatric disorders. Now, the Carver College of Medicine’s brain bank, called the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory (INRL), is part of the NBB network.

The Iowa Neuropathology Resource Lab was proud to present work from our collaboration with the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner and the Iowa Donor Network at the annual Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference, held November 15–19 in San Diego, CA.

University of Iowa Health Care’s rare “brain bank” has contributed to a new study published in Nature that shows that repetitive head impact (RHI)-related brain injuries result in brain cell loss, inflammation, and vascular damage in young, former contact sport athletes. Importantly, many of these detrimental changes were seen in young athletes before the onset of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition that leads to problems with thinking and emotional regulation. The study was led by researchers from Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

On March 31, 2025, our undergraduate student Hannah Williamsen attended the annual Research in the Capitol event at the Iowa State Capitol. Hannah was one of twenty University of Iowa undergraduates selected to share her work with legislators, presenting her poster titled "Incidence of Early Neurodegenerative Disease Pathology in a Forensic Cohort."

The Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory had the opportunity to exhibit for the first time at the 2024 Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Conference, held October 5–9 in Chicago, IL.

The Iowa Neuropathology Resource Lab was proud to have student representation at the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) from July 28–August 1 in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Marco Hefti received a five-year NIH R01 award entitled “A non-canonical role for tau in early human brain development” from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

INRL members Mikayla and Hannah attend the Walk to End Epilepsy to discuss brain donation for SUDEP patients.

Dr. Fiock wins the Career Impact Award from the University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center for her efforts in helping her students prepare for their future, navigate career options, and succeed after graduation.

INRL has a get-together to celebrate Mikayla’s graduation and transition to a full-time staff position.