Children
BRIGHTKids Study: This study is a sub-project stemming from the larger birth cohort study, STRONGKids 2 (registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03341858; IRB # 13448), which currently follows participants from birth to 7 years. The purpose of the sub-project is to explore outcomes of cognitive development and body composition and their predictors (diet, physical activity, parent characteristics, etc.) in greater detail as these children turn 4 and 5-years-of-age. Specifically, these participants will undergo a body composition scan, a pencil paper test to assess academic achievement, and they will perform several computer-based cognitive tasks while their brain function is being measured. Additionally, parents will complete surveys and a 7-day diet record for their child. Participants will also be asked to wear a physical activity tracker for 7 days. For participation, you must already be enrolled in the STRONGKids 2 study. However, note that the STRONGKids 2 is no longer actively recruiting. IRB #16484
ELIAS: This study involves toddlers 12-18 months-of-age and explores how nutrition impacts visual and brain development. Study participation will involve 6 visits (1.5 hours each) to our laboratory over 12 months. During these visits, we will measure the toddler’s brain function while they watch a computer screen and listen to sounds. The toddler’s nutrition status will also be measured using a few drops of blood collected from a heel/finger prick. Parents will be paid for their time and effort. IRB #21611
iCONS: This study is for children ages 8 to 10 to help us learn how nutrition supports eye health and school performance. Children will participate in seven 2-hour visits and take a daily gummy over nine months. Activities include height, weight, and eye health measurements, reading and math related questions, computer tasks, and parent questionnaires. You will be paid for your time and effort. IRB #21066.
Adults
ACE: This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism through which exercise affects brain function in adults between the ages 18 – 35. The study will consist of 3 visits. All three visits will be completed at Freer Hall. During your first visit you will fill out a series of survey, measure your height and weight, an eye and finger exam to assess nutritional markers, and a fitness test to assess your current fitness level. For your second and third visits, you will be asked to either do an exercise test or rest on a bicycle for 40 minutes followed by a series of computerized tasks designed to test your attention and memory while wearing an EEG cap. Throughout the second and third visit, we will place a catheter inside a vein in your arm and draw blood a various times throughout the visit. You will be paid for your time and effort. IRB #21748
GAMEPLAN: Gastrointestinal And Metabolic Effects from a Prebiotic, Lifting, and Aerobic iNtervention study is a research project aimed to study the relationship between diet, exercise, the gut microbiome, and health. We are looking for men and women between the ages of 20-45 years to participate. The study consists of a 6-week period where you will come in to Freer Hall three times per week to participate in a supervised exercise program. You will also consume a daily supplement, which you will mix into water at breakfast. You will also be asked to visit the lab two times over the course of the study (2 hours per visit) to complete questionnaires, bone density scans, computer tasks, and blood draws. You will also provide fecal samples at the beginning and end of the 6-week period. IRB #21730
LUMES Study: Lutein and Multiple Sclerosis Evaluation Study. LUMES is examining the relationship between macular carotenoids, retinal health, and cognition in people with Multiple Sclerosis in adults ages 18-64 years. IRB #20012
NECTAR Study: This study investigates the relationship between yogurt consumption and digestive health. We are looking for healthy adults between the ages of 22-64 years. The study will consist of two 2-week periods where participants will consume a yogurt snack two times per day, separated by at least 4 weeks. Participants will be asked to visit the lab for 5 sessions, lasting .5-1.25 hours each, to complete questionnaires, computer tasks, a body composition scan, and liver ultrasound. In addition, 4 stool samples will be collected. You will be paid for your time and effort. IRB #20121
SCOPE Study: This study involves adults ages 45-75 years consuming two different supplements on a daily basis for two four week periods. Participant testing will involve completing surveys and computer tasks (over 5 visits of 1.5 to 2.5 hours each) to assess thinking ability and collection of stool samples. Additional information on health history and habitual physical activity and dietary intake. You will be paid for your time and effort. IRB #21839
SNACKing Study: This study investigates the relationship among diet, gut health, and metabolic health in adults between the ages of 30-60 years. Participation consists of a 12-week period where participants consume a pre-packaged snack twice per day. Participants are asked to visit the lab for 3 sessions to complete a body composition scan, liver ultrasounds, and blood draws and be asked to complete questionnaires remotely. Six stool samples will also be collected. You will be paid for your time and effort. IRB #20154
WatUP: This study is investigating the effect of water consumption on gut microbiota and thinking ability in adults ages 19-50 years. If you are eligible for complete participation, we will ask you to increase the amount of water that you drink per day and visit our laboratory three times over the course of 6 weeks (~2 hour appointments) to complete questionnaires, computer tests, and blood draws. In addition, 3 urine and stool samples will be collected. You will be paid for your time and effort. IRB #21951
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