1999 Seminar Series

April 14, 1999

Ralph Norgren, PhD, Professor of Behavioral Science, Neuroscience, and Psychology, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, presented a seminar entitled "Functions of the Central Gustatory System." While here, several Center investigators were able to meet with Dr. Norgren to discuss research ideas and recent findings. This visit was co-sponsored by the Minnesota Obesity Center and the Graduate Program in Neuroscience.

May, 7, 19999

The 1999 Bollum Symposium in Molecular Biology hosted by the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics (BMBB) and the Interdisciplinary Program in Signal Transduction and Gene Expression (STAGE). The theme of this inaugural symposium was "Transcription Factors in Metabolic Control" and feature 3 internationally recognized speakers. The Minnesota Obesity Center provided partial support for Dr. Gretchen Darlington, Baylor College of Medicine, who spoke on the CCAAT-Enhancer Binding Protein multigene family and their roles in control of gene expression. All speakers had a focus on control of genes in metabolism and a particular interest in lipid metabolism.

May 10, 1999: Center-Wide Retreat

The Minnesota Obesity Center held its first center-wide retreat. Presentations were made by the following Pilot & Feasibility Grant Award recipients:

  • Scott J. Crow, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, "Binge eating disorder and other psychopathology in Type II Diabetes Mellitus"
  • Jose' V. Pardo, M.D., Ph.D., VA Medical Center, "To Eat or to be Eaten: Neuroimaging Studies"
  • Cathy M. Kotz, Ph.D., VA Medical Center, "Neural Regulation of the Uncoupling Proteins"
  • John R. Halliwill, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, "Does insulin alter sympathetic vascular regulation in viscerally obese men?"

 

August 4, 1999

David Crawford, PhD, Deakin University, Melbourne Australia, was a Visiting Scholar at the Minnesota Obesity Center and the Division of Epidemiology. He was to present a seminar on "Australian health professionals' attitudes and practices regarding weight management and prevention." However, this event was cancelled.

October 4, 1999: Obesity Research Day

The Minnesota Obesity Center sponsored a day long program of current findings in obesity. This event was so-sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Office of Continuing Medical Education. Invited speakers were:

  • Susan K. Fried, Ph.D., Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, "Update on the regulation of leptin secretion in human adipose tissue"
  • Marsha D. Marcus, Ph.D., Western Psych. Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, "Commonalties between obesity and eating disorders"
  • Eric Ravussin, Ph.D., Obesity Research and Clinical Investigation, Lilly Corporate Center, "Energy balance and weight regulation: energy intake vs. energy output"

 

October 6, 1999

Samuel W. Cushman, PhD, Experimental Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition Section, Diabetes Branch, NIDDK, NIH, presented a seminar entitled "Cell Biology of Insulin Action on Glucose Transport." This seminar was co-sponsored by the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics.

October 7, 1999

Shalamar Sibley, MD, Division of Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington, presented a seminar entitled "Central Obesity & Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes." This event was co-sponsored by the Department of Medicine and the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes.

November 2, 1999

Glenn Gaesser, PhD, University of Virginia, presented a talk entitled "Big fat lies about healthy weight: a review of the evidence for recommendations." This seminar was co-sponsored by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.