Michael Symonds

Biography

Self Biography: I am an international expert in adipose tissue development and have pioneered the use of thermal imaging as a non-invasive technique for measuring brown adipose tissue function in children, adolescents and adults. We are now providing training and guidance in the use of this technique to many groups around the world. My group is also using this technique to complement other approached for assessing brown fat function such as MRI as well as using it to directly examine the influence of environmental, dietary and pharmacological interventions. These in vivo studies in humans are complemented by the detailed analysis of human adipose tissue together with the use of translatable animal models.

Research Interest

Our research is focused on the brown adipose tissue development and function. This involves a wide range studies in healthy volunteers and experimental models both in vivo and in vitro. For example, we have pioneered the use of thermal imaging as a non-invasive technique for measuring brown adipose tissue function in children, adolescents and adults. We are now providing training and guidance in the use of this technique to many groups around the world. Our group is also using this technique to complement other approached for assessing brown fat function such as MRI as well as using it to directly examine the influence of environmental, dietary and pharmacological interventions. Other projects we are involved in include the impact of diet during pregnancy on the mother and placental function and during lactation on milk production and composition. We are funded by a wide range of organisations including the Medical Research Council, The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, The European Union Framework 7 and Marie Currie Training Network, CASCADE Fellows, The British Heart Foundation, NHS Research & Development, and The Cardiometabolic Disease Research Foundation, Los Angeles CA USA.