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Areas of Specialization

Research Areas

Across lifespan, in health and disease states, the cells that make up the brain undergoes changes - neuronal and cellular degenerations, consequently affecting their functions. Research activities being developed in the DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Lab headed by Dr. Ben-Azu Benneth as Principal Investigator, aims to elucidate how multiple epigenetic factors such as stress, diets, infections, and drug abuse affect brain immunity in health and neuropsychiatric states. Our ultimate goal is to design novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target markers of neurochemical changes, oxidative stress, neurotrophism, apoptosis, cellular senescence, and neuroinflammation, including microglia dysfunction, to prevent and treat major neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactive disease, anxiety- and major depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's diseases.

Neuronal Degenerations and Cognitive Impairments

Investigating the impacts of epigenetic factors such as diets, stress, addiction, infection and pollution on brain immunity and their role in neuropsychiatric conditions, with a focus to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and its contributions to diseases.

Neurotrophic Influences in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Studying the role of neurotrophic factors in promoting neuronal survival and functions, with particular emphasis on their potential as targets for interventions in conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Neurochemical Changes in Neuropsychiatric Conditions

Investigating neurochemical alterations associated with depression, anxiety disorders and other neuropsychiatric conditions to identify potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving mental health outcomes.

Neuroinflammation and Brain Functions

Understanding the impacts of neuroinflammation on brain functions, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on elucidating the role of immune responses, notably microglia function, in modulating neuronal activities and their implications for cognitive and emotional well-being.

Cellular Senescence In Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Investigating the mechanisms of cellular senescence in health and disease states across different age trajectories, with interests in their potential as targets for the development senolytics for interventions in conditions such Alzheimer's disease.

5

Years of Existence
ABOUT US

Unveiling the Frontiers of Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry: Meet Our Research Laboratory

The Delta State University (DELSU) Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, established with the approval of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Egwunyenga O. Andy, is domiciled at the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Campus 3, Delta State University, Abraka. The laboratory was approved following the successful award of the Joint Canada-Israel Health Research Project in 2022. Our primary research focus encompasses neuroscience-based experiments, including behavioural studies and biochemical and molecular assays. However, the laboratory is equipped to undertake a wide range of research methodologies. Our investigations at the DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory aim to elucidate the impact of epigenetic factors on brain development in health and disease states. Specifically, we are elucidating how neuronal and cellular changes and neuroinflammatory-related mechanisms, notably changes in microglia functions, impact development, aging, and disease states, particularly in the context of neuropsychiatric conditions. In line with this, we are always seeking to improve our technical skill sets.

  • Scientific Excellence
  • Impact and Translation
  • Collaboration and Inclusivity
OUR TEAM

Lab Members

Dr. Ben-Azu Benneth

Principal Investigator

Fokoua Aliance Romain

Postdoctoral Fellow

Chidebe O. Emmanuel

Ph.D. Student

Isibor Happy

Ph.D. Student

Onuelu Jackson Erozueme

Ph.D. Student

Akhator Joy Amenotie

M.Sc. Student

Grant Osuni Alumona

M.Sc. Student

Ekpekuro Abo

M.Sc. Student

Nekabari kii Miracle

M.Sc. Student

Iwhiwhu Prosper

M.Sc. Student

Esuku Teme-owei-ke-temene Daniel

M.Sc. Student & Research Assistant

Bienose Success Chijioke

M.Sc. Student & Research Assistant

Get in touch

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Achievements

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WAHT’S NEW

News Update

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30Nov

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Conference Report: West African Society for Pharmacology (WASP) Annual Conference 2025

Daniel T. Esuku, a Research Assistant at the DELSU Joint Israel-Canada Biopsychiatry Laboratory (DJCINBL) and a Master’s student in the

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26Oct

News Update
Iwhiwhu Prosper Participates in ISN Neuroscience School Held at The Federal University of Technology, Akure (Futa), Nigeria, From October 19–24,

As an early-career neuroscientist, a master’s student and pharmacologist with a strong interest in ethical experimental research, participation in the

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20Sep

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DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Lab Supports Early-Career Nigerians at Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN) 22nd Conference

Attending the 22nd Scientific Conference of the NSN in Enugu was an inspiring experience to the trainees, as it was

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30Nov

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Faith B. Friday Shares Transformative Experience at Women’s Biomedical Research Advancement Project at the Drosophila Research and Training Center (DRTC),

As an early-career researcher with a keen interest in stroke research, participating in the Women’s Biomedical Research Advancement Project by

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20Oct

News Update
DELSU Student Uche Esther Festus Takes Top Honors at NEURONEXUS 2024

DELSU is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Uche Esther FESTUS from the DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry