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The O'Brien Laboratory
Pregnancy - Nutrigenomics - Microbiome
The O'Brien laboratory is located in the MVR Building
at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Research Interests
Research Focus:
The O'Brien Laboratory investigates the nutritional, genetic, and hormonal determinants of mineral metabolism, with a particular emphasis on maternal and child health. Our research aims to better understand the factors that influence nutrient utilization and health outcomes across the lifespan.
Current areas of study include maternal and fetal bone health, anemia risk in pregnant women and newborns, vitamin D and iron physiology, and the genetic determinants of iron absorption.
Ongoing projects explore the role of the gut microbiome in iron absorption, ethnic differences in iron metabolism, and the impact of bio-enhanced chicken meat and eggs on vitamin D status in healthy adults.
Stable Isotope and Mass Spectrometry Research:
Much of our research utilizes stable mineral isotopes administered orally or intravenously as tracers. These tracers allow us to measure nutrient absorption, metabolism, and utilization with exceptional precision.
Isotopic analyses are performed using a state-of-the-art ThermoQuest Triton TI magnetic sector thermal ionization mass spectrometer. Through collaborations with academic institutions across the world, the laboratory also provides specialized analytical services and expertise in stable isotope methodologies.
The O’Brien Laboratory is working to understand the nutritional, endocrine, and genomic factors that interact to regulate calcium, vitamin D, and iron homeostasis.
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