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Current Research Studies

Interested in helping us learn about metabolism and the brain? Complete our screening survey. Learn more about each of our ongoing research studies below.

  

The Center for Health Behaviors Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, located in Roanoke, is conducting a 3-14 week research study to investigate how foods we eat interact with our body’s biology to influence food reward in the brain.

  • All sessions are in Roanoke
  • Participate for 3-14 weeks (4-8 sessions for ~31 hours)
  • Consume snack foods
  • Measures of energy use (metabolic rate)
  • IV blood draws
  • MRI brain scans

Participants will be compensated up to $570 for participation.

 IRB #21-1052

The Center for Health Behaviors Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, located in Roanoke, is conducting a 5-week research study to investigate how foods we eat influence our brains.

Qualifications

  • Ages 18-45
  • Willing to attend sessions at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke

What is involved?

  • All sessions in Roanoke
  • Participants ages 18-45
  • 5 in-person and 3 online sessions over 5 weeks (~18 hours total)
  • Drinking sweetened drinks at specified times each week
  • Measurements of energy use (metabolic rate)
  • IV blood draws
  • MRI brain scan

What you will get

  • Up to $420
  • Health information, including:
    • Hemoglobin A1C test results
    • Fasting blood sugar results
    • Metabolic rate test results
  • An MRI picture of your brain

IRB #23-297

Help us learn about food reward in the body during this 5-week study at the Center for Health Behaviors Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC! Your participation will help us understand how food interacts with the brain after we eat. Your participation will help us learn more about eating behaviors.

During this study, you will be asked to:

  • Complete a prescreening survey.
  • Taste and rate several flavored beverages.
  • Drink flavored beverages, which we will provide, at home.
  • Have  your blood sugar and energy expenditure measured in the lab.

Participants will be compensated up to $340 for participation in 8 behavioral sessions.

IRB #19-927