Food Science and Human Nutrition Faculty Gets New Weapon in the Fight Against the Big O’s
Contact: Mary Ellen Camire (207) 581-1627; David Munson (207) 581-3777
ORONO, Me. – A state-of-the-art densitometer will soon contribute to an array of research programs being carried out by the UMaine Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) faculty. The programs focus on the growing problems of obesity and osteoporosis around the world.
Utilizing a grant of $38,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture and matching monies from the Maine Economic Improvement Fund administered by UMaine’s Vice President for Research Michael Eckardt, the department has acquired a Hologic Discovery W bone densitometer. FSHN researchers will use the device in a variety of research projects that investigate the nature and prevention of obesity and osteoporosis.
Professor Mary Ellen Camire will investigate the affect of flavenoid-rich foods such as blueberries and cranberries on digestion and metabolism, as well as the use of satiety-increasing foods to reduce food intake.
Other faculty may use the equipment to obtain funding for a variety of research projects including the effect of blueberry consumption on bone density in seniors, the benefits of vitamin D supplements for increasing bone density in young women, and the body composition implications of a Mediterranean diet.
The new equipment, which can be used to measure both bone density and body composition, will also be used in human nutrition classes and to further other research conducted by the Department of Psychology and the Center for Aging.