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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 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 2 visits (2 sessions for 4 hours total)
  • Availability after working hours
  • Consume snack foods
  • MRI brain scans
  • Optional
    • Metabolic measures (2-4 sessions for ~18 hours)
    • Measures of energy usage (metabolic rate)
    • IV blood draws

Participants will be compensated up to $430 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 $340
  • Health information, including:
    • Hemoglobin A1C test results
    • Fasting blood sugar results
    • Metabolic rate test results
  • An MRI picture of your brain

IRB #19-927