The research in our laboratory integrates the interdisciplinary fields of animal nutrition, immunophysiology, and neuroscience, including the ability of nutrients to impact metabolic, immunologic, and developmental patterns. We focus on comparative animal nutrition, with an emphasis on biochemical aspects of proteins and amino acids, but also strive to integrate immunological and behavioral outcomes as related […]
Author: Ryan
Neuroimaging reveals lasting brain deficits in iron-deficient piglets
Iron deficiency in the first four weeks of a piglet’s life impairs the development of key brain structures. The abnormalities remain even after four weeks of iron supplementation begun later in life. Original Press Release Frontiers in Neurology – Neuropediatrics Publication: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2017.00735/full Nutrients Publication: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/2/135
Prebiotics in infant formula could improve learning and memory and alter brain chemistry
New research shows piglets fed prebiotics display increased learning and memory accompanied by changes in fermentation products and hippocampal serotonin. The study adds to mounting research demonstrating a strong link between the gut and brain, and how nutrition plays a critical role. Original Press Release Nutritional Neuroscience Publication
Gut microbes may talk to the brain through cortisol
Study identifies novel relationships between fecal microbiota and brain metabolites in the biomedical piglet model Findings from this study indicated that Ruminococcus communicates with and makes changes to brain N-acetylaspartate concentrations indirectly through serum cortisol Original Press Release Gut Microbes Publication: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2017.1353849?scroll=top&needAccess=true
Nutrition researchers aim to make science more accessible to young minds and the public
After publishing several scientific papers on nutrition’s role in infant brain development, researchers in the Piglet Nutrition & Cognition Laboratory are working on ways to bring the science of what they study out of the lab and into the hands—and minds—of kids. Frontiers for Young Minds is a scientific journal for kids, in which articles are […]
PNCL undergraduate AJ Patsavas presents research thesis at UIUC Undergraduate Research Symposium
Congratulations to the Dilger lab undergraduate AJ Patsavas for presenting his honors thesis project “The effects of non-digestible fiber on exploratory and stress behaviors in piglets” at the Undergraduate Research Symposium! AJ will studying veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University this Fall 2017.
PNCL undergraduate Rebecca Moll presents research thesis at UIUC Undergraduate Research Symposium
Congratulations to the Dilger lab undergraduate Rebecca Moll for presenting her honors thesis project“Neuroplasticity-related protein expression in the piglet brain” at the Undergraduate Research Symposium! Rebecca will studying veterinary medicine at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this Fall 2017.
Assessing piglet behavior through exploration of objects, tools to explore piglet cognition
in a recent study researchers Stephen Fleming, graduate student, and Dr. Ryan Rilger, animal scientist, measure piglet exploratory behavior using the Novel Object Recognition Test. This paper discusses the ability of piglets to recognize previously seen objects and the way they explore their environment. Measuring exploratory behavior provides a tool to assess piglet cognition, which will be used in the […]
Better early nutrition, better brains: Study discusses model for understanding nutrition and brain development
In a recent review article published in Advances in Nutrition, Ryan Dilger, a U of I animal scientist and Austin Mudd, a doctoral student in the neuroscience program, provide background for the work they do with nutrition and neurodevelopment using the piglet as a model. The new paper highlights several studies on pediatric nutrition of which […]
Choline deficiency during pregnancy influences milk composition in sows
Choline, an essential nutrient, is used by the body in many ways, including in the makeup of cellular membranes and neurodevelopment. Choline deficiency during pregnancy has been shown to delay brain development in pig studies. A new study shows choline deficiency during pregnancy also affects the nutrient composition of sow milk up to 19 days […]