Assistant Professor Yang Hou, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholars Dan Liu, Ph.D., Junyan Tian, Ph.D., and undergraduate Research Assistant Sia Kakkar, presented new findings at the 2026 NF Conference, hosted by the Children's Tumor Foundation. The international meeting brings together researchers, clinicians, and advocates to advance the understanding and treatment of neurofibromatosis (NF).

The DEaR Lab contributed two platform presentations and six poster presentations highlighting neurobehavioral functioning across the lifespan in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Research topics included the relationships among sleep, physical activity, emotion, and cognition in adolescents with NF1; neurobehavioral subgroups in children and adolescents; cognitive profiles and aging in middle-aged and older adults; and a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to improve neurobehavioral functioning.

The conference also featured dedicated scientific sessions on sleep, brain health, and pain, emphasizing the growing recognition of these interconnected factors in everyday functioning and quality of life for individuals with NF. The meeting provided opportunities for researchers to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and strengthen collaborations that will help address unanswered questions in NF research and improve outcomes for individuals and families affected by the condition.