Research

Children's Nutrition Research Center News

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How estrogen's millisecond-fast action happens

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Estrogen, the major female ovarian hormone, can trigger nerve impulses within milliseconds to regulate a variety of physiological processes. At Baylor College of Medicine, Louisiana State University and collaborating institutions, researchers discovered that estrogen’s fast actions are mediated by the coupling of the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) with an ion channel protein called Clic1.

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From Obesity to Strong Bones: Essential Tips for Healthy Kids

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Sept. 12, 2024: 

ARS-funded research at the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, delves into the critical connection between childhood obesity and bone health. The research uncovers how excess weight in Hispanic children can negatively affect bone density and mineral content, potentially increasing the risk of fractures. Researchers emphasize the importance of physical activity as a protective measure against these adverse effects and discuss practical strategies for parents to prevent obesity from the outset.

Check out this video to learn more
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Eating for necessity or pleasure? There is a brain circuit for that

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Aug. 8, 2024: 

People eat either because they are hungry or for pleasure, even in the absence of hunger. While hunger-driven eating is fundamental for survival, pleasure-driven feeding may accelerate the onset of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. 

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Alterations in human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression

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July 2, 2024: 

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge and collaborating institutions have discovered that alterations in the human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression.

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Serotonin 2C receptor regulates memory in mice and humans - implications for Alzheimer's disease

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June 28, 2024: 

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge in the U.K. and collaborating institutions have shown that serotonin 2C receptor in the brain regulates memory in people and animal models. 

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Researchers join consortium to prevent type 2 diabetes in children

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Sept. 20, 2023: 

Baylor College of Medicine received a six-year, $3.6 million award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to join a national consortium to uncover the biological and social determinants of type 2 diabetes in children.

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Recent CNRC Member Highlights

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Dr. Nancy Butte receives Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award

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Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Butte, emeritus professor of pediatrics, who received the Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award. (October 2024)

Jayna

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Dr. Jayna Dave selected to participate in national 2024-2025 Mid-Career Research Leadership Development Program

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Dr. Jayna Dave has been selected to participate in the competitive, national 2024-2025 Mid-Career Research Leadership Development Program with the Society for Pediatric Research in the Outcomes, Epidemiology, & Health Services research group. The program aids mid-career scientists focused on child health, in building skills and competency in important topics related to leading a research group and career transitions. (August 2024)

Teresa

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Journal of Nutrition established The Teresa A. Davis Award in Growth and Protein Nutrition

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The Journal of Nutrition established The Teresa A. Davis Award in Growth and Protein Nutrition to honor Dr. Davis’ exceptional leadership as Editor-in-Chief, 2014 to 2023 and her significant contributions to the field of growth and protein nutrition. The annual award goes to the 1st author of novel nutrition research paper related to protein and amino acid metabolism and growth in animals and humans, published in The Journal of Nutrition during the preceding year. The recipient will also receive a $1,000 honorarium.

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Megumi (Hashida) Seese, Ph.D. and Anna Norman, B.S. won third and first place

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Megumi (Hashida) Seese, Ph.D. (top) and Anna Norman, B.S. (bottom) won third and first place in the Carotenoid and Vitamin A Research Interest Group’s Poster Competition of the American Society for Nutrition’s 2024 Nutrition Conference. Seese is a postdoctoral trainee and Norman is a medical student trainee in Nancy E. Moran’s laboratory at the CNRC. (July 2024)

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Katelyn Senkus, Ph.D. won the Carotenoid and Vitamin A Research Interest Group’s Emerging Leaders in Nutrition

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Katelyn Senkus, Ph.D. won the Carotenoid and Vitamin A Research Interest Group’s Emerging Leaders in Nutrition competition with her research abstract entitled “Plasma Lycopene and Lutein Concentrations Are Associated With Reduced Adiposity and Improved Metabolic Health in Healthy Infants” at the American Society for Nutrition’s NUTRITION 2024 Conference held in Chicago, IL June 29-July 2, 2024 Senkus is a postdoctoral associate in Nancy E. Moran’s laboratory at the CNRC. (June 2024)

Nancy

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Dr. Nancy Moran recognized as an outstanding reviewer for The Journal of Nutrition

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Dr. Nancy Moran has been recognized as an outstanding reviewer for The Journal of Nutrition (JN) in 2024, as announced by the American Society for Nutrition. Congratulations to Dr. Moran for this achievement, which reflects her exemplary review quality, quantity and timeliness throughout 2023. (April 2024)

Perry

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Perry Rainosek transitions to ARS Deputy Chief of Staff

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After dedicating 21 years of leadership to the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), Perry Rainosek is embarking on a new chapter within the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Recently Perry held several temporary assignments with the USDA, while simultaneously continuing to support the CNRC. Perry has now embraced a permanent role as the USDA, ARS Deputy Chief of Staff. While the agency is based in Washington, DC/Beltsville, MD, Perry will continue to work remotely from the Houston area. Throughout his tenure at the CNRC, Perry ensured seamless federal operations. The CNRC faculty and staff owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unwavering dedication. We extend our heartfelt wishes for success in his new role.

CNRC

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Dennis M. Bier, M.D. Symposium: The Future Directions of Nutrition Research

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A Symposium held on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) celebrated the remarkable scientific career and leadership of Dr. Dennis M. Bier, a distinguished figure in pediatric endocrinology and nutrition research. Dr. Bier's journey began with his graduation from Le Moyne College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, followed by fellowships at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and service in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Returning to Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), he co-directed the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, pioneering research in mass spectrometry to explore nutrient kinetics and metabolic pathways.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Bier's influence extends to leadership roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and directorships at WUSM and the CNRC at Baylor College of Medicine (1993-today). His commitment to mentorship and scientific rigor has propelled advancements in pediatric nutrition research. The afternoon symposium served as both a homage to his career and a critical examination of the strengths and weaknesses within the field of nutrition.  Opening remarks were given by Dr. Morey Haymond and presentations by prominent researchers: Dr. David Allison, Dr. Elmquist, Dr. Christopher Newgard, and Dr. David Klurfeld. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Teresa Davis, followed by a reception attended by colleagues from across the nation, honoring Dr. Bier's extraordinary career.

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Alvin Tak selected as an IRTA scholar

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Alvin Tak, a University of Houston student currently engaged in research within Michael Dzakovich's lab has been selected as an IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) scholar.  Alvin will dedicate the upcoming year to conducting studies in Dr. John Ngai's laboratory, with a specific focus on olfactory nerve regeneration. With ambitions of becoming a clinician-scientist, Alvin is determined to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. program in neuroscience. (February 2024)

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Highlights Archive