Penn State University

This study tests a digital tool called HMZ 2.0 to help pregnant women with overweight or obesity gain a healthy amount of weight. 144 women will either use the tool or receive standard pregnancy advice. The goal is to see if the platform improves weight gain, sleep, eating habits…

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

This study tests whether eating 5-6 prunes every day for 18 months can prevent the rapid bone loss that often happens during menopause. Researchers will measure bone density, inflammation, and gut health in 124 women aged 44-55. If successful, this simple dietary change could hel…

This study looks at whether having nurses screen older hospital patients for delirium (sudden confusion) every day can improve patient outcomes. About 1,050 adults aged 70 and older on general medicine units will take part. Researchers will track how accurate the screening is and…

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) by measuring skin blood flow, sweating, and body temperature during mild heating. No treatment is given—the goal is simply to …

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 looks at how GLP-1 weight-loss medications affect people's attitudes toward food and what they choose to eat. Researchers will use a virtual reality buffet to measure changes in food selection before starting the medication and after three months. The goal is to unders…

This study tests a program for parents of children with disabilities who are about to start special education. The program includes six learning sessions to help parents work as a team, access services, and support their child. Researchers will compare parents who take the progra…

This study looks at brain activity in smokers trying to quit, to understand what leads to a lapse (smoking again). Researchers will use MRI scans to track changes in brain patterns and mood just before a lapse happens. The goal is to find early warning signs that could help preve…

This study observes 100 children aged 6-9 to see if their eating behaviors in a laboratory setting match how they eat at home. Researchers will video-record meals and measure food intake to understand what drives overeating and obesity. The goal is to learn more about children's …

This study looks at how people with ALS and their caregivers talk to each other and how that changes over time. About 152 participants will read words and sentences during conversations. Researchers will measure speech clarity, sentence structure, and pauses to better understand …