Cooling methods to protect elderly people from heat waves.
Official title: Low-energy cooling strategies to reduce the thermal, cardiovascular, and renal consequences of heat waves in the elderly.
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10821070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help older adults stay cool and healthy during heat waves without using air conditioning, by trying out different methods like wetting the skin to protect their hearts and kidneys.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL168826-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10821070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals, particularly those living in areas prone to heat waves and who may lack access to air conditioning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or those who have reliable access to air conditioning may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low-energy cooling strategies can help reduce the harmful effects of heat waves on elderly individuals, particularly focusing on cardiovascular and renal health. The study aims to identify effective cooling methods that do not rely on traditional air conditioning, which many elderly people may not have access to. By testing techniques such as skin wetting, the research seeks to find ways to lower body temperature and alleviate stress on the heart and kidneys during extreme heat events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide safer cooling alternatives for elderly individuals during heat waves, potentially reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that alternative cooling methods can be effective, but this specific approach focusing on low-energy strategies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckenna, Zachary John — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mckenna, Zachary John
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.