Penn State University

This study looks at how healthy diets with different plant oils, especially cottonseed oil, affect heart and metabolic health. About 52 adults with higher LDL cholesterol and overweight will eat controlled diets for 4 weeks each. Researchers will measure changes in cholesterol an…

This study tests a digital platform that helps pregnant women with overweight or obesity manage their weight gain. 144 women will use the platform, track their weight and activity, and meet weekly with a dietitian. The goal is to see if the tool helps control weight gain and impr…

This study tests a program called Healthy Family Foundations for military couples expecting their first child. The program includes 10 online classes to help parents work together on healthy eating, activity, and parenting. Researchers want to see if it reduces rapid weight gain …

This study looks at whether an 8-week pickleball program can improve how adults with autism move and sense their body, and also reduce core autism symptoms. 50 adults aged 18-45 with autism will either start pickleball right away or wait a bit before starting. They'll play twice …

This study looks at how estrogen levels affect the way women's bodies handle heat. Researchers will compare women before and after menopause (ages 42-64) to see if low estrogen makes it harder to cool down. Participants will be exposed to mild heat while their skin blood flow, sw…

This study looks at whether people with depression, and those taking antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs, have different skin blood flow and sweating responses to heat compared to healthy adults. Researchers will measure these responses during a 2-hour passive heating session. Th…

This study tests a program for parents of children with disabilities who are about to start special education. The program teaches parents how to work together and get the best services for their child. About 120 parents will take part, with some attending six learning sessions. …

This study aims to understand why most people who try to quit smoking end up relapsing. Researchers will use brain scans (fMRI) to track changes in brain activity and mood in the moments leading up to a smoking lapse. 150 adult smokers who want to quit will participate. The goal …

This study looks at how 100 children aged 6-9 eat both at home and in a lab setting. Researchers want to see if eating behaviors observed in the lab match real-life habits and how the home food environment may contribute to childhood obesity. No treatment or medication is given; …

This study looks at how well older adults can handle heat and humidity. Researchers will have 190 participants exercise in different temperature and humidity conditions to find the point where the body can no longer cool itself, raising the risk of heat illness. The goal is to id…