Have you ever wondered how things you eat or drink affect the bacteria in your gut?   Do you live in a rural Indiana area? Researchers from the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University are looking at a how nutrient called cysteine [pronounced SIS-tee-een] is related to bacteria in our gut and early-onset colorectal cancer risk (EOCRC). In rural areas, it can be hard to find healthy foods. This study also wants to find out if these challenges lead people to eat more foods that contain high amounts of cysteine, and how this might affect the bacteria in their gut and their health.This study can be completed entirely from your own home - NO in-person visits are required.Who can take part?Individuals, ages 18-80, who are generally healthy (have no abnormal GI issues) and live in a county with less than 50,000 residents or live over 10 miles from their nearest grocery store.

Caring for Someone Else?  Caring for Others Starts With Caring for Yourself.  Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia is important work—but it can also be stressful and exhausting.  Many caregivers, put their own health last.  As a caregiver, you deserve care, too. Our study is about supporting caregivers by helping them build a simple, at-home exercise routine right from home to improve their health and well-being.Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy. This study offers free exercise equipment and virtual support to help caregivers get started and stay active. 

Share Your Story and Support Research That Helps People Live Better Lives with Heart Failure.Living with heart failure can be hard. You may deal with pain, tiredness, and daily challenges that affect how you feel and live your life.  This study is here to better understand those experiences—and your voice can help. We want to learn how pain and inflammation affect the daily lives of people living with heart failure.  By understanding this, researchers hope to find better ways to improve care and quality of life in the future for people living with this condition. You may be able to join this study if you:Are 46 years of age or olderHave been diagnosed with heart failureLive in the United States

We are conducting a study to see if fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, can protect soccer players' brains from repetitive head impacts.  Our main goal is to determine if these omega-3s can have possible protective effects from repeated repetitive head impacts, which could lead to better brain health strategies for athletes.Current and former soccer players (with 5+ years of heading experience) who are 18 to 30 years old are invited to participate.

DID YOU KNOW?  Herbicides are widely used in the Heartland, and farmers are using these chemicals more than ever before. Several studies have raised concern that some of the herbicides  may be associated with reproductive disorders, certain birth defects, and developmental disorders. What are herbicides? Herbicides are a type of pesticide that are used to protect our food crops, trees, vines, and pastures from harmful weeds. Some herbicides are also used in and around our homes, parks, sports fields, and golf courses. Herbicide use has increased significantly since the 1990s and is projected to rise rapidly on corn and soybean farms in the Midwest for the next 5-10 years.  As more pounds are applied, higher levels of human exposure are expected.    What Is the Heartland Study?Mother-infant pairs living in the Midwest will be followed throughout pregnancy, infancy and early childhood to observe health and development in order to better understand the effects of prenatal herbicide exposures. Your participation will help researchers to increase their knowledge about how herbicide exposure might affect pregnancy, newborn health, child childhood development, and future generations.

The Indiana Biobank is a research study started in 2010 by Indiana University School of Medicine and IU Health. The Indiana Biobank is like a giant library—but instead of books, it holds over 60,000 blood and other samples. Each sample is connected to the person’s medical records. The person’s name and personal details are removed before researchers can use the samples. These samples help doctors and scientists discover better ways to treat and prevent diseases!When you donate a small blood sample, you’re helping researchers learn more about how to keep people healthy. Your sample is unique, and it can help make sure future treatments work for everyone.Watch this video to learn more: