Metabolic Neuroimaging

The X-ray of the human brain closeup image

Our research focuses on identifying neurobiological mechanisms associated with obesity and diabetes in humans using neuroimaging and neuromodulation methods. We are also investigating the role of brain-body interactions in the development of brain insulin action across the lifespan from the fetus to the elderly. Other research includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches to overcome brain insulin resistance and improve metabolic and cognitive health.

Just five days of indulging in chocolate, chips, and other highly processed foods can lead to lasting changes in brain activity – even without weight gain. A recent study led by Stephanie Kullmann shows that brain activity patterns after junk-food consumption resemble those seen in individuals with obesity.

Prof. Hubert Preissl in Terra-X "Unser Leben: Wie es beginnt"

The current Terra X documentary ‘Unser Leben: Wie es beginnt' offers fascinating insights into prenatal research. Prof. Hubert Preißl and his team use functional magnetoencephalography (fMEG) to study how fetuses respond to external stimuli, providing unique insights into fetal perception."

Diabetes and the Brain - Latest Research Results at the DGE Congress

Scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum München were represented at the 66th Congress of the German Society of Endocrinology with a symposium on "Hormone action in the brain and its influence on body metabolism".

Stephanie Kullmann receives the Ferdinand Bertram Prize

Congratulations! Stephanie Kullmann received the prize for her work on "The role of central nervous processes in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus".

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Exercise against insulin resistance in the brain

Our team could show that as little as eight weeks of exercise can help restore brain insulin sensitivity in adults with severe obesity. These findings open up new therapeutic opportunities to reduce obesity and diabetes risk factors in the future.

Study reveals learning behavior of newborns and fetuses

How consciously do newborns perceive their environment and can they process these influences in such a way that they already learn from them? A team of researchers at the University Hospital Tübingen spent four years investigating these questions.

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Central to our vision is a commitment to reshape the landscape of diabetes care by understanding insulin resistance, a key driver of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We believe that by unraveling the intricate connections between insulin resistance in the brain, peripheral metabolism, and cognitive function, we can pave the way for breakthrough solutions that change lives.

Scientist Adding Microscopy To Brain Study App

2025

Stephanie Kullmann, Lore Wagner, Robert Hauffe, Anne Kühnel, Leontine Sandforth, Ralf Veit, Corinna Dannecker, Jürgen Machann, Andreas Fritsche, Nobert Stefan, Hubert Preissl, Nils B. Kroemer, Martin Heni, André Kleinridders & Andreas L. Birkenfeld

A short-term, high-caloric diet has prolonged effects on brain insulin action in men

2025

Leontine Sandforth, Stephanie Kullmann, Arvid Sandforth, Andreas Fritsche, Reiner Jumpertz-von Schwartzenberg, Norbert Stefan, Andreas L. Birkenfeld

Prediabetes remission to reduce the global burden of type 2 diabetes

2025

Leontine Sandforth, Stephanie Kullmann, Arvid Sandforth, Andreas Fritsche, Reiner Jumpertz-von Schwartzenberg, Norbert Stefan, Andreas L. Birkenfeld

Prediabetes remission to reduce the global burden of type 2 diabetes

2024

Joel Frohlich, Julia Moser, Katrin Sippel, Pedro A. M. Mediano, Hubert Preissl & Alireza Gharabaghi

Sex differences in prenatal development of neural complexity in the human brain

2023

Joel Frohlich, Tim Bayne, Julia S. Crone, Alessandra DallaVecchia, Asger Kirkeby-Hinrup, Pedro A. M. Mediano, Julia Moser, Karolina Talar, Alireza Gharabaghi, Hubert Preissl

Not with a “zap” but with a “beep”: measuring the origins of perinatal experience

2023

Lore Wagner, Ralf Veit, Christian Kübler, Andreas Fritsche, Hans-Ulrich Häring, Andreas L Birkenfeld, Martin Heni, Hubert Preissl, Stephanie Kullmann

Brain insulin responsiveness is linked to age and peripheral insulin sensitivity

2023

Luis Mercado, Diana Escalona-Vargas, Sarah Blossom, Eric R Siegel, Julie R Whittington, Hubert Preissl, Kaitlyn Walden, Hari Eswaran

The effect of maternal pregestational diabetes on fetal autonomic nervous system

2023

Alexandra G Yunker, Sandhya P Chakravartti, Stephanie Kullmann, Ralf Veit, Brendan Angelo, Kay Jann, John R Monterosso, Kathleen A Page

Sweet taste preference is associated with greater hypothalamic response to glucose and longitudinal weight gain

SSIB_logo_Society_for_the_study_of_ingestive_behaviour

We are always looking for curious minds who are interested in science and research.
Whether you are an experienced expert in your field or just starting your scientific journey, you will find an inspiring environment with us to bring your ideas to life.

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Metabolic Neuroimaging

On this page

Scientists at Metabolic Neuroimaging

Prof. Dr. Hubert Preissl

Prof. Dr. Stephanie Kullmann

Dr. Ralf Veit

Dr. Julia Hartkopf

Dr. Katrin Sippel

Dr. Sabine Frank-Podlech

Lorenzo Semeia

Theresa Ester-Nacke

Hande Ezgi Atmaca Turan

Maike Borutta

Anja Bierenstiel

Our Clinical Trials & Cohort Studies

STIM Study

Dopamine Genetics

Intermittent Fasting to Improve Insulin Secretion (IFIS)

Exercise Study (acEX)

SEMABRAIN

News & Research Highlights

How a junk-food splurge can change your brain activity

Prof. Hubert Preissl in Terra-X "Unser Leben: Wie es beginnt"

Diabetes and the Brain - Latest Research Results at the DGE Congress

Stephanie Kullmann receives the Ferdinand Bertram Prize

Exercise against insulin resistance in the brain

Study reveals learning behavior of newborns and fetuses

How consciously do newborns perceive their environment and can they process these influences in such a way that they already learn from them? A team of researchers at the University Hospital Tübingen spent four years investigating these questions.

Our vision

Publications

Networks and Affiliations

Come join our team!

Primary Investigators

Prof. Dr. Hubert Preissl

Prof. Dr. Stephanie Kullmann

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