Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Medical Research Solutions
At BRANCH Lab, we are dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of obesity, diabetes, and brain regulation of appetite through rigorous interdisciplinary research. Our team combines expertise in neuroscience, physiology, nutrition, and endocrinology to address critical health challenges affecting children and adults. Founded on principles of academic excellence and innovation, we employ cutting-edge neuroimaging and metabolic techniques to uncover mechanisms driving metabolic disorders.Our work has earned recognition from leading institutions including the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association, reflecting our commitment to high-impact, peer-reviewed research. We maintain strict ethical standards in all studies, prioritizing participant safety and scientific integrity while fostering collaborations across medical and academic disciplines.
Services
Neuroendocrine Regulation Research
Maternal-Fetal Programming Studies
Brain Imaging Analysis
Metabolic Disorder Research
Clinical Research Trials
Highlights and features
- Our research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other prestigious institutions
- We collaborate with leading experts in neuroscience and endocrinology
- Our team includes board-certified endocrinologists with clinical and research expertise
- We utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques for metabolic disorder research
- Our publications appear in top-tier medical journals including JAMA and Nature Metabolism
Services
Neuroendocrine Regulation Research
Investigating how brain hormones regulate appetite and glucose homeostasis through advanced neuroimaging and metabolic analysis. Our research identifies neural mechanisms linking obesity to diabetes. This work informs potential therapeutic interventions for metabolic disorders.
Maternal-Fetal Programming Studies
Examining how maternal diabetes during pregnancy affects offspring's metabolic and cognitive health. We track long-term outcomes and develop preventive strategies. Our findings help improve prenatal care and childhood health outcomes.
Brain Imaging Analysis
Utilizing MRI and functional imaging to study brain responses to sugars and food cues. We analyze neural pathways related to overeating and insulin resistance. This research enhances understanding of obesity's neurological basis.
Clinical Research Trials
Conducting human trials on metabolic responses to sugars and artificial sweeteners. We measure hormonal changes and brain activity using glucose tolerance tests. Participants contribute to breakthroughs in diabetes and obesity prevention.
Metabolic Disorder Research
Studying mechanisms behind obesity development and treatment resistance. Our work examines physical activity's role in brain health and insulin sensitivity. Findings inform personalized approaches to metabolic disease management.
People
Dr. Kathleen Page
Director, BRANCH Lab
Physician-scientist specializing in diabetes and childhood obesity with 15+ years of research experience. Leads NIH-funded studies on brain regulation of appetite and metabolic disorders.
Ana Romero
Program Manager
Public health expert managing gestational diabetes and brain response studies. Coordinates clinical trials with 10 years of experience in maternal-child health research.
Brendan Angelo
MRI Technician
Neuroimaging specialist analyzing brain scans using Freesurfer and FSL software. Supports research on sugar's effects on brain function with technical expertise.
Questions
What are BRANCH Lab's main research areas?
We focus on neuroendocrine regulation of appetite and maternal-fetal programming for obesity and diabetes.
How does the lab study brain responses to sugar?
We use MRI scans and glucose tolerance tests to measure brain activity and hormonal responses to different sugars.
Can I participate in your research studies?
Yes, we welcome participants for clinical trials. Contact our team for eligibility requirements and enrollment.
What makes your diabetes research unique?
We combine brain imaging with metabolic analysis to uncover novel mechanisms linking obesity and diabetes.
How do you collaborate with other institutions?
We partner with USC's Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute and national medical organizations for multidisciplinary research.