Programs
Below are our current programs. To become involved in any of these programs or if you have ideas for beginning new projects or programs please contact us.
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Functional Glycobiology Program
Glycans are complex sugar structures that have crucial roles in all aspects of biology. The Functional Glycobiology Program (FGP) is actively discovering, identifying and characterizing the glycan-dimension of human milk. Current FGP research projects focus on the structures and functions of free glycans and the various glyco-conjugates (glycoproteins and glycolipids) in the infant intestine and how they support the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and elimination of pathogens.
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Milk Bioactives Program
Milk is the complete food for infants, thanks to millions of years of natural selection on mammalian lactation. Research projects of the Milk Bioactives Program (MBP) include: discovering new components and structures in human milk and their functions; clinical testing of milk-based dietary solutions for enhancing immunity; and development of new milk lipid-based solutions for improving skin health in premature infants.
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Lipid Nanoparticle Program
HDL, the "good cholesterol," is known for its positive effects on cardiovascular health, however it is also an essential part of the innate immune system and vital in preventing blood-borne infections and intoxications. The goals of the Lipid Nanoparticle Program (LNP) are to use the tools of nanoscience to isolate, characterize and reformulate HDL as the path to the next generation of health assessment technologies, HDL-based therapies, and food-based solutions for improving HDL function.
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Metabolic Phenotype Program
Metabolic Phenotype is the measurement of metabolites whose abundance in biofluids accurately reflects an individual’s health status. The Metabolic Phenotype Program (MPP) focuses on the development of new technologies to measure metabolic phenotype in individuals, including both diet and the diverse inputs of the intestinal microbiome. Current projects include the accurate assessment of nutrient status, microbial colonization, and predisposition to metabolic diseases.
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Children's Health and Education Program
The Children’s Health and Education program is a program to equip children with skills and knowledge to optimize their lifelong personal health. Because the principles of human genetic and phenotypic diversity are becoming the central themes of personalized medicine, the Children’s Health and Education program is invested in age-appropriate "personalized" health education approach for K-12 children. Children learn specifically about their own health, how to take ownership over their diet and lifestyle choices and guide their health in a more positive direction.
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International Programs
The FFHI considers multi-disciplinary collaboration to be the engine that promotes creative research and drives commercial innovation. The International Program consolidates alliances with national and international organizations to enhance the research programs and collaborating scientists at UC Davis. FFHI assists in networking, identifying common shared research interests, recruiting complementary skills and promoting translation goals.
