The Ramirez Lab investigates brain functions in order to develop new ways to treat – and potentially cure – neurological disorders.
We are particularly interested in how neurons form into networks, and how those networks turn on and off to create rhythms that direct the brain – and the body – to perform different functions.
We take a collaborative approach to research, teaming up with experts in different disciplines – from genetics to biology to engineering – to study brain disorders and pursue cures.
Current Research
Connecting the Genetic Dots in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
July 24, 2024 – Research from Dr. Nino Ramirez and colleagues significantly expands the list of potential gene variants associated with infants’ vulnerability to sudden, unexpected death.
Publication Q&A: Brain Researchers Offer Insights into Brainstem Region’s Role in Chronic Low Oxygen Levels, Disrupted Swallow
May 2024 – Continuing earlier work, a Center for Integrative Brain Research team provides new understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying disordered swallow.
Discovering Patterns in the Neural Activity Powering Breathing
January 19, 2024 – Scientists in Seattle Children’s Center for Integrative Brain Research produced a first-ever population-level analysis of neural activity underlying breathing.
Brainstem Region Revealed to Play Role in Regulating Swallow, Breathing
June 30, 2023 – Seattle Children’s researchers revealed novel insights about PiCo, a brainstem region that aids the coordination of swallowing and breathing.
How does the brain coordinate swallowing and breathing?
July 14, 2022 – In their paper published in PNAS, Alyssa Huff and Nino Ramirez are the first to discover the neural pathways involved in swallow-breathing coordination.
Answering a Century-Old Question: How Do Gas Anesthetics Work in the Brain?
June 9, 2022 – In their paper published in Current Biology, Seattle Children's researchers are the first to discover how gas anesthetics cause unconsciousness at the cellular level.
Learn More
To learn more about the Ramirez Lab’s research and publications, please visit our University of Washington website.
Nino Ramirez, PhD
Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez, PhD, is director of the Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute and a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Washington. His work is supported by multiple National Institutes of Health grants.