Research Studies

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 7 week research study to investigate how foods we eat interact with our body’s biology to influence food reward in the brain.
What is involved?
- All sessions in Roanoke
- 10 lab sessions over 7 weeks (~25 hours total)
- Blood draws
- Drink sweet drinks and rate flavors
- Energy use measurements (metabolic rate)
- Eat foods we provide for 4 days
- May complete MRI brain scan
Participants will be compensated up to $540 for participation.
IRB #21-964
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