Science on Tap: Dr. Cordelia Running

Welcome to Science on Tap! Join us for an exciting talk from Dr. Cordelia Running, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University.

“Food should taste good–even when it’s healthy for you, and even when you aren’t healthy.”

This belief drives Dr. Cordelia Running’s research. Her lab (the Saliva, Perception, Ingestion, and Tongues Lab–SPIT lab) studies oral sensations and secretions to improve foods for health. Projects include experiments testing how saliva adapts to different diets. Potentially, saliva may adapt to make foods less bitter, or to break down fatty mixtures or starchy foods more quickly. This not only changes flavor and texture of foods, but also could change how nutrients are absorbed. Additionally, Dr. Running is looking into ways to help people reduce their sugar intake and increase their vegetable intake. These studies all emphasize how flavor is an important part of how people decide what to eat, and so addressing flavor is a vital part of helping people successfully improve their diet.

After all, food can only be healthy, or unhealthy, if it’s eaten.

This event is sponsored by Purdue’s College of Health and Sciences, thank you for your support!

Cost: Free to attend—registration required. First drink’s on us!