Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Walnut Study Now Enrolling Participants

    Why is this study being done?

    The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether adding walnuts to your diet can have a beneficial effect on your colon.  Walnuts are a nutrient rich food with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, and anti-oxidant properties.

    Who is eligible?  

    Subjects eligible for inclusion in this study must meet allof the following criteria:

    • Men or women between the ages of 50-65 years old who are scheduled to undergo a routine colonoscopy and have no personal history of colon cancer, or 2 or more polyps or 1 large polyp detected in a previous colonoscopy
    • English speaking/reading patients willing and able to provide written informed consent for study participation
    • Willingness to consume walnuts for 3 weeks
    • Willingness to comply with all study requirements

    What is involved?

    Participation will involve 3 visits to UConn Health and 2 progress/compliance check-ins via phone or email.  You will be asked to complete dietary surveys and food records, collect urine and stool samples, consume 2 ounces of walnuts per day for 3 weeks, and provide blood and biopsy samples during your screening colonoscopy procedure.

    All participants will be compensated for their time with a total of up to $350 in Visa gift cards for completing the entire study.  Gift card incentives will be distributed as follows: $25 at the screening visit, $50 at visit 2, and $275 at visit 3 ($100 for completing forms and turning in urine and stool samples, and $175 for biopsy and blood samples).  Participants will be provided with a supply of walnuts to be consumed during the study.

    This study is funded by the American Institute for Cancer Research and is being conducted by Daniel W. Rosenberg, Ph.D.  

    IRB #19-121JS-1

    For further information please call Dr. Rosenberg’s Laboratory and ask for 

    Bruno S. Lemos, PhD at (860) 679-8703.

    For more information, contact: Bruno S. Lemos at blemos@uchc.edu