Member Article

Volunteers needed for brain research

Volunteers aged from 8 to 80 are required by psychologists at Northumbria University to take part in a number of food related studies. Northumbria’s Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit (HCNU), based in the School of Psychology, is dedicated to conducting world-leading research into examining the ways in which foods and food supplements affect the human brain, especially mood, memory and concentration. They are currently running a number of trials and urgently need volunteers to take part.

Researcher Philippa Jackson said: “The HNCU is involved in a number of studies throughout the year. At the moment, we are specifically looking for 18-35 year olds to take part in a glucose study and an omega 3 oil study, and 18-40 year olds to take part in a study into valerian. We are also currently running internet research into dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids in children, which still requires participants, as well as a trial in elderly volunteers aged over 60, investigating the effects of a gingko supplement on memory.”

The School of Psychology is also currently creating a ‘Participant Pool’. The type and nature of the studies change all of the time, and typically, volunteers would be required on an ‘as and when’ basis. Some studies are paid, and expenses are always covered.

The Unit has recently been involved in a number of research projects, including examining the effects of low GI breakfasts on schoolchildren’s concentration, the relationship between taking multi-vitamins and mental performance, investigating the mood altering effects of herbal supplements such as lemon balm, sage, Ginkgo biloba and ginseng, and proving that chewing gum can relieve stress.

For more information on taking part in current research, please contact Northumbria University’s HCNU on 0191 204 8818. To participate in the omega 3 trial, log on to www.omega3research.org.uk. To join the Participant Pool, please contact Davide Smailes on 0191 227 3561, email davide.smailes@northumbria.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .