Emory researchers studying link between diet and neurological conditions receive $1.3 million Keck Foundation award
August 12, 2026 Ethan Fogus
Arash Grakoui (left) and David Weiss of the School of Medicine have received $1.3 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation to explore the link between diet and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autism.
Your digestive tract contains more than 100 million neurons. Known as the enteric nervous system, this system helps control digestion and regulates enzymes, aiding in nutrient absorption.
Each of these neurons is part of a dense communication network linking to your brain. While research hasn’t shown that the digestive system is capable of thought, a growing body of evidence suggests that it communicates with the brain.
Emory Department of Medicine faculty members Arash Grakoui, PhD, and David Weiss, PhD, recently demonstrated how high-fat diets affect the brain in lab mice. Both researchers' labs and teams are based out of the Emory National Biomedical Research Center, which provides research support through multiple scientific core facilities.
Next, the duo plans to explore whether diet-induced brain inflammation contributes to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autism.
“Despite decades of research, the initiating causes of these neurological conditions have not been clear,” observes Weiss.
Grakoui adds, “Our research provocatively suggests that low levels of previously undetected bacteria in the brain — causing chronic brain inflammation — may be a common cause across these conditions.”
The W.M. Keck Foundation recently awarded the pair $1.3 million to further investigate how nutrition affects neurological conditions. This award will advance the understanding of how chronic brain inflammation affects neurological disease. Their findings could have a monumental impact on treatment, prevention and patient outcomes.
Together in the service of research and discovery
Grakoui and Weiss credit Emory’s supportive and collaborative research ecosystem with achieving this award.
“The Office of Foundation and Corporate Relations, especially Lorena McLaren, provided outstanding guidance throughout the process,” reflects Weiss.
They acknowledge Anita Corbett, senior associate dean for research at Emory College of Arts and Sciences, who advised on the proposal for the School of Medicine. Corbett had unparalleled insight into creating the proposal, “by providing exactly the kind of strategic support that made a difference,” notes Grakoui.
Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, echoes the significance of the award for realizing the promise and potential impact of this research.
“This award is an important milestone for Emory and for the broader scientific community that stands to benefit from the knowledge this research will undoubtedly generate,” says Ahad.
The interdepartmental collaboration necessary to secure this award “demonstrates the very best of what we can accomplish when we work together across schools and units in service of research and discovery,” she adds.
The research duo views the award as more than an opportunity to further science for future generations. It is an example of Emory leveraging strategic opportunities and a potent example of the impact possible from linking scholars across schools.
“This award reflects not only the promise of the project, but also the value of coordinated research support at Emory,” emphasizes Weiss.
Grakoui echoes the sentiment, saying, “We are very grateful.”
The W. M. Keck Foundation was established in 1954 in Los Angeles by William Myron Keck, founder of The Superior Oil Company. One of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations, the W. M. Keck Foundation supports outstanding science, engineering and medical research. The foundation also supports undergraduate education and maintains a program within Southern California to support arts and culture, education, health and community service projects.
