Foundation Board Approves Research Recommendations

The Foundation’s Board of Directors met in January 2019 to review and approve research funding recommendations made by the Foundation’s Research Advisory Committee. Three new projects were approved for funding. Two of the three projects focus on nutrition sciences, which was added to the research scope in 2018.

How Does Analytic Approach Impact Pathogen Population Structure When Analyzing Whole Genome Sequence Data?, University of Minnesota, IBM

The overall goal of this project is to support an accurate, reproducible, transparent and uniform approach to whole-genome sequence (WAGS) analysis for purposes of outbreak detection and pathogen surveillance. The overarching objective is to demonstrate how different analytic approaches to whole-genome sequence analysis can impact analysis results.
Research funded in part by the Beef Checkoff.

Effects of Red Meat Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Young Adults, Purdue University, University of Colorado

Gut microbiota are an important contributor to human metabolic health and the impact of animal-based foods — unprocessed and processed red meat in particular requires investigation. Results from a recent study with rats suggest that consuming processed vs. unprocessed red meats may differentially influence gut microbiota profile. This project intends to determine the effect of unprocessed and processed red meat on gut microbiota.
Research funded in part by the Beef Checkoff.

Meat as a First Solid Food on Risk of Overweight and Neurodevelopment in Infants, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver

Early complementary feeding is a unique and malleable period to prevent rapid weight gain and later obesity, and is also a critical phase for neurodevelopment. Meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein and micronutrients, which are critical for the normal development of older infants. This research will conduct a randomized controlled trial to comprehensively evaluate the effect of meat on growth, body composition, risk of overweight and neurodevelopment, with a protein intake at the reported population median. Findings from this study will be generalizable and help inform future dietary guidance.
Research funded in part by the Beef Checkoff.

All three projects are jointly funded under the Foundation’s contract with the Beef Checkoff to conduct post-harvest beef safety and processed beef nutrition research. Additional details will be shared on these projects as research is underway.

The Foundation’s Research Advisory Committee will meet in late April to identify research topics for the 2019-2020 request for proposals.

The article and others are available in the April 2019 Foundation Focus Newsletter