MRI study. Healthy volunteers are needed for a study investigating the ability of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate kidney function. Study participation involves 1-1.5 hours of time and entails placement of a small IV in the arm, administration of contrast material and imaging in an MRI scanner. No iodine or radiation is involved. Participants will receive $100. Volunteers must be healthy with no history of kidney disease or insufficiency, normal blood pressure, and no history of diabetes mellitus. Interested parties should contact Graham Sommer, MD, at 725-4919 or e-mail gsommer@stanford.edu.

Eyelid surgery. Volunteers are needed for eyelid-lift surgery as part of a study conducted by the facial plastic and reconstructive surgery section of Stanford's Otolaryngology Division. Persons with "tired eyes," or wrinkled eyelids, are invited to participate in the trial, which compares a new method of closing surgical incisions -- by using cyanoacrylate glue -- to the standard technique of using sutures to close the incisions. The procedure normally takes about one hour and is performed under local anesthesia Participants will be able to receive the surgery at a reduced rate. Candidates should not be taking part in other ongoing research studies, nor should they have had eyelid surgery in the past. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Carly at 723-5281.

Food supplements. Researchers are seeking male volunteers for a study assessing the safety and effect of different food supplements on skin. The supplements being tested include modified gelatin, evening primrose oil/fish oil, green tea, Gotu Kola and hyaluronic acid. Potential benefits include improved skin appearance and possibly reduced risk of skin cancer. Men over age 18 who have fair skin, sunburn easily and are within 30 percent of their ideal body weight are eligible. Volunteers must not be taking prednisone (or other steroids), coumadin, anti-convulsants, benzodiazepines, codeine or asthma medications. Participation in the study will last for eight weeks, including three clinic visits and a screening visit. Eligible participants will receive $250 after completion of the final visit, and there are no costs to participate. For more information or to determine eligibility, call Karina Arambula at 725-6373, or Joy Knapp at 724-7035.

Tea's effect on skin. Caucasian women over age 18 may be eligible to participate in a Stanford dermatology study investigating the effects of green tea on skin. Patients will be assigned to one of two groups for eight weeks, which includes three clinic visits. One group will use green tea supplements and a topical green tea-containing cream, and the other will take a placebo supplement and cream. Eligible women will be paid $200 after completion of final visits and there are no costs to participate. For more information on eligibility requirements, call Joy Knapp at 724-7035 or Karina Arambula at 725-6373.