
Yuko Hara, PhD
- ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
Research Topics:
Aging, Cognitive Neuroscience, Glutamate (NMDA & AMPA) Receptors, Hippocampus, Memory, Mitochondria, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Prefrontal Cortex, SynapsesI obtained my Ph.D. in Neurology and Neuroscience at the Weill Cornell Graduate School, NY, NY. As a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. John Morrison's laboratory, I examined the synaptic and molecular signatures of aging and recognition memory decline in the hippocampus of cognitively-assessed animals.
Education
BS, Cornell University
PhD, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
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2010
Ellison Medical Foundation/American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) -
2005
Supreme Council of Freemason's Scottish Rite Fellowship
We are interested in identifying the neurobiological basis of age- and menopause-related cognitive decline. We utilize electron microscopic techniques to examine synaptic and mitochondrial ultrastructure as well as molecular profiles in key brain areas mediating cognitive functions. We are also interested in the effects of estrogen on the brain and the ways in which it can restore cognitive and synaptic functions in aged menopausal animals. Results from our research have important implications for treating age- and menopause-related cognitive symptoms in humans.