Gut Bacteria Study 

The UNC Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute is enrolling participants 18 and older who do not have gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, hemorroids, gastrointeritis, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome to take part in a study to identify substances in the blood and urine that are made by bacteria normally living in the gut. Volunteers will be asked to consume a diet of normal nutrients for two days (longer if needed) until one stool sample is collected. Participants will also need to provide blood and urine samples. Those completing the study will receive $250. For more information or to enroll, visit the Microbiome Study webpage or e-mail microbiome@unc.edu.

Genetics, Nutrition and Muscle Performance 

The lab of Martin Kohlmeier, MD, in the UNC Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute is recruiting 18-45 year old Caucasian males for a study that examines how genetically guided nutrition can improve muscle performance. The study involves taking a nutrient supplement for three weeks, three workouts of eight minutes and three blood draws. Participants will receive $10 for screening and $100 for completing the study. Contact Dr. Kohlmeier for more information.  

Multiple Sclerosis

The MURDOCK Study is enrolling people 18 years of age and older with Multiple Sclerosis. Participants can live anywhere. Blood and urine samples will be studied to better understand the disease’s progression. Recruitment is expanded to include individuals with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Study details and information  on enrollment are available at: MURDOCK Study.

Physical Performance Study

People 30 years old and older are being recruited for a physical performance study being conducted by the Duke University Older Americans Independence Center. The goal of the study is to collect physical, biological and cognitive data in order to increase the understanding of the physical, lifestyle and genetic factors that over a lifespan contribute to changes in physical and cognitive capabilities as people age. Only 90 minutes of your time is needed. There is a follow-up visit in two years. You'll receive a total of $30 in gift cards for participating. Download the study details. For more information or to enroll, contact the MURDOCK Study

B.E.R.R.Y. Study 

Carol Cheatham, PhD, with the UNC Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute, is enrolling adults 65-79 years of age for  the  B.E.R.R.Y. Study, which means Blueberries: Exciting Research Relevant to You. The study is examining if eating blueberries affects mild cognitive decline. People interested in participating in the study can be experiencing some memory loss but cannot have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. For more information or to enroll, call 704-250-5018, e-mail feedingbrains@unc.edu or visit www.cheathamlab.com. 

 

 

Genome Sequencing of Centenarians

There are nearly 100,000 people over the age of 100 living in the United States. The purpose of this study is to see why this small portion of the population has such an extraordinary life span. Any person over the age of 100 is eligible for this study. Participants are NOT required to live in Kannapolis or Cabarrus County to take part in this study. Enrollment takes about 45 minutes and involves giving consent, a small sample of blood and urine, and completing the standard MURDOCK Study questionnaire. After that, there is no further obligation. The participant receives a $10 gift card in return. For more information, contact the MURDOCK Study.

 

 

The MURDOCK Study

Measurement to Understand the Reclassification of Disease Of Cabarrus / Kannapolis – is a longitudinal, community based study seeking to identify linkages across major diseases and disorders that are some of today’s leading causes of illness and death. Enrollment in the study is open and takes less than an hour. Study details and information on enrollment are available at: MURDOCK Study. View the map of qualifying zip codes to see if you can enroll. 

Severe Acne

Acne vulgaris is an under-studied common genetic disease. The knowledge gained from this study and the follow-up work based on it will help develop safer and more efficient treatment(s) for severe acne. Study details and information  on enrollment are available at: MURDOCK Study.

Memory and Cognitive Health 

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health dilemma affecting over 170,000 North Carolinians and involving over $4.5 billion annually in national uncompensated health care costs, increased disability and significant caregiver burden. To date, no disease-modifying treatments are availalbe and the causes of the illness are not entirely clear. The goal of this study is to take basic discovery work and translate the findings into patient care through identifying potential subjects for future preventive studies and advance collaborative biomarker studies. There are specific eligibility criteria including enrollment in the MURDOCK Study. Study details and enrollment information are available at: MURDOCK Study.