UAB NORC Core C: Animal Models Core

PROJECT SUMMARY – ANIMAL MODELS CORE The Animal Models Core provides expertise in the use of animal models for nutrition/obesity research; maintains state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodologies for the determination of energy balance (food intake, energy expenditure, activity [spontaneous/voluntary and exercise-related], and core body temperature); provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodology for the determination of body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA], quantitative magnetic resonance [QMR], and micro-computed tomography [µCT]); provides cost-efficient services to core users; promotes interactions among investigators; and provides training in animal models and phenotyping methods. The lab animal nutrition subcore provides expertise and consulting in lab animal nutrition and experimental diet formulation and production, allowing increased rigor and research opportunity in questions related to obesity in rodents, zebrafish, and other animal models. By executing these aims, we provide our investigators and the scientific community at large with the expertise and resources to expand their research areas using innovative scientific methodologies to acquire results with the purpose of enhancing human health.