Page 14 - The Hormel Institute 2024 Annual Report

14 | THE HORMEL INSTITUTE // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
CLINICAL STUDIES
Our clinical research underway is primarily focused on how certain environmental and genetic factors can influence cancer risk. We understand the value of holding clinical studies in rural Minnesota, ensuring this demographic can be represented in the search for future health solutions, and we continue to expand our research efforts in this area.
TWO DRINK STUDY
In December 2023, we successfully completed the Two Drink Study, led by Dorothy Hatsukami, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. Conducted in collaboration with The Tobacco Research Programs at the UMN Twin Cities campus, this study aims to determine if a specific vegetable can help prevent cancer by removing toxins and carcinogens from the body. Over 300 Austin area community members were screened, and 85 participated; many have expressed interest in volunteering for future studies at our institute.
10,000 FAMILIES STUDY
This year, we continued our partnership with the University of Minnesota’s 10,000 Families Study (10KFS), a long-term project aimed at understand- ing how genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors impact human health and disease risk.
This study examines the prevalence and develop-
ment of diseases among participants to identify
risk factors that may influence health across generations and within families and communities. With over 350 local residents already enrolled, we remain commit- ted to actively seeking additional participants to advance our understanding of these critical health determinants.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL STUDY
The Smoking and Alcohol Study, conducted in collaboration with The Tobacco Research Programs and led by Stephen Hecht, PhD, Professor of Cancer Preven- tion, examines the impact of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on DNA
damage in the oral cavity. The study aims to identify DNA damage that could increase the risk of head and neck cancers. This study is active and continually screening and recruiting more participants.
ORGANIC BEEF STUDY
Beginning this year, the clinical study team is partnering with Leena Hilakivi- Clarke, PhD, Professor at HI, to investigate the effects of pasture-raised, organic beef on gut microbiome composition and the production of key microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids.
The study also examines the impact of beef consumption on inflammatory
and metabolic markers. The findings from this study could potentially help us better understand the connections between farming practices and human health.
The study involves 40 participants consuming either pasture-raised or grain-fed beef during a four- or eight-week period. The graphic below outlines this project.
RESEARCHER
Our researcher needs your help!
COMPENSATION
$220 for completion of study.
TRIAL
The study will look at the effect of organic grass-fed beef on gut health.
ANALYSIS
Participants will complete 4 clinic visits during the 12-week long study.
TEST PERSON
Adults age 18+.
NUTRITION
Participants will eat prepared frozen meals 4 times per week for 8 weeks.