Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Seeking Adults 20-64 for Fruit and Vegetable Study

    Validation of skin antioxidant sensors and establishment of food-based reference values in US adults 

    The University of Connecticut Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking participants for a research study to validate skin antioxidant sensors for assessing fruit and vegetable intake and establish reference values of these sensors for estimating fruit and vegetable intake status.

    To be eligible to participate:

    • Men or women, 20-64 years old
    • Primary racial or ethnic identity of Hispanic, Non-Hispanic black, or Asian (excluding multiracial individuals)  
    • Willing to record and take pictures of meals, beverages, and supplements consumed over the seven days prior to an in-person visit
    • No surgery in the previous 3 months
    • Not taking anticoagulants or thrombolytics or any prescription drugs over one month except for taking drugs for treating diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia (if you are taking these drugs with aspirin, you are not eligible)
    • Not diagnosed with cancer or received cancer treatment(s) in past 5 years
    • No electronic medical implants in your body
    • No damage, callouses, or tattoos on your hands or wrists
    • Currently not taking medications for treating skin disease
    • Not pregnant or lactating
    • Willing to fast 8 hours prior to the in-person visit
    • Willing to collect stool samples before the study visit
    • Willing to have a blood draw, body measurements, and hand/wrist scans
      • Participation will help scientists better understand the ability of skin carotenoid sensors to estimate fruit and vegetable intake.
      • The total time required to complete the entire study will be ~4 hours
      • Participants will receive up to $300 for completing the study.

    If you are interested in participating, please complete our screening survey below:

    Fruit and Vegetable Study Eligibility Survey

    IRB Number: H22-0156

    For more information, contact: Matthew Madore at ochunlab@gmail.com