Faculty members in the Colllege of Health and Human Services conduct research on a diverse range of subjects from diabetes to retail merchandising to cochlear implants. Following are examples of their work:
AN EDIBLE TEST
Rob Brannan, a food scientist and assistant professor in the School of Human and Consumer Sciences, conducts tests in Grover Center’s Sensory Analysis Lab. The lab, which features six tasting booths, plays a key role in his food science courses, in which he challenges students to conduct experiments on making a healthier pastry or a new beverage. See the full story here.
THE DIABETES DILEMMA
David Holben, a dietetics authority and professor in the School of Human and Consumer Sciences, has published a study that concluded that members of rural Appalachian households who lack access to food or experience hunger are more likely to be obese and have diabetes. See the full story here.
REACHING FOR SOLUTIONS TO BACK PAIN
Jim Thomas, an associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy, co-authored a study that found that people who fear aggravating a backache will change the way they move to prevent more pain. But doing so may set the stage for further injury.See the full story here.
THE OBESITY FACTOR
Darlene Berryman, associate professor in the School of Human and Consumer Sciences, studies the behavior of fat tissue and growth hormone in mice in hopes of better understanding the factors behind obesity and diabetes. See the full story here.
SOUNDING OUT THE SECRETS OF HEARING
With the help of pioneering research of audiology professors Li Xu and Fuh-Cherng Jeng in the School of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences, scientists may one day be able to “teach” cochlear implants how to convey auditory details like the verve of a violin concerto or the tonal difference between “Ready?” and “READY!" See the full story here.
BOOSTING WOMEN'S BRAWN
Women who want to build muscle strength and endurance should choose traditional strength training methods instead of low-velocity routines, according to a study by Sharon Rana in the School of Recreation and Sport Sciences. See the full story here.