Penn State University

This study looks at whether eating one medium potato daily as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet affects blood sugar and heart disease risk in adults with prediabetes. About 74 people aged 25-65 with prediabetes will follow either a potato-inclusive or potato-free Mediterranean…

This study tests a 12-week community exercise program for mothers and their children (ages 10-17) to improve heart health. The program includes twice-weekly fitness sessions at local CrossFit gyms, focusing on fun activities, teamwork, and health education. Researchers want to se…

This study looks at whether using secure digital systems to share information between pediatricians and WIC nutritionists can help mothers get consistent advice on responsive parenting—like how to respond to a baby's needs for healthy eating, sleep, and activity. About 380 pregna…

This study tests whether adding extra decoding and encoding lessons to the ALLSTAR literacy program helps children aged 5-12 who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) improve their reading. Sixty participants will be split into two groups: one gets standard ALLSTAR…

This study looks at whether eating yogurt every day can help children think better and have a healthier gut. Researchers will give 60 kids, ages 7 to 9, either fruit juice or yogurt smoothies for four weeks. They will measure memory, focus, brain activity, and gut bacteria to see…

This study tests whether wearing a head-cooling device for 28 days can help women ages 18-27 recover from a concussion. Researchers will measure changes in thinking, sleep, mood, and brain inflammation. The goal is to see if cooling the brain speeds up recovery and eases symptoms…

This study will test whether using the Landing Place mental health app can improve well-being in college students. About 160 Penn State Behrend students with iPhones will be randomly assigned to either use the app daily for 4 weeks or not use it at all. Researchers will measure c…

This study looks at whether spending time in nature can help people recover more quickly from a concussion and reduce symptoms like headaches and trouble concentrating. Researchers will ask 24 people aged 14–35 who had a concussion within the last 5 days to spend time outdoors an…

This study tests two simple interventions aimed at community pharmacies in Ghana: giving them personalized feedback on their antibiotic dispensing habits and sending a legal reminder that selling antibiotics without a prescription is illegal. Researchers will track whether these …

This study looks at whether GLP-1 weight-loss medications reduce cravings and unhealthy food choices triggered by food advertisements. Fifty adults taking tirzepatide will view food or tech ads and report their cravings and food intake. The goal is to understand if these drugs ma…

This study looks at whether adding a wrist sensor that measures alcohol levels can help college students drink less. About 150 high-risk drinkers aged 18-23 will wear the sensor for two weeks and get personalized feedback. The goal is to see if this approach reduces heavy drinkin…

This study looks at whether full-fat dairy and low-fat dairy have similar effects on risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. About 178 healthy adults and those at risk will eat either low-fat or full-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese for 6 weeks each, with a break in between. Res…

This study looks at how children's eating behaviors, like eating quickly or eating large portions, are linked to brain activity and body fat. Researchers will follow 420 children aged 7 to 9 for one year, using brain scans and meal observations. The goal is to understand why some…