Effects of red tide neurotoxins on the nervous system
Official title: Neurological effects of aerosolized red tide neurotoxins
Funded at Roskamp Institute, INC. · NIH-10981270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how toxins from harmful algae in the air might affect the brains of people living in southwest Florida, especially those who often get migraines or feel very tired, and it will also check if certain genes play a role in these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roskamp Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sarasota, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $704,695 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036145-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include residents of southwest Florida who have experienced symptoms related to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning or have a history of migraines or chronic fatigue syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by harmful algal blooms or who have no history of neurological symptoms related to red tide exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aerosolized neurotoxins from harmful algal blooms, specifically Karenia brevis, affect the human central nervous system. It focuses on residents of southwest Florida who may be exposed to these toxins, particularly those with a history of migraines or chronic fatigue syndrome. The study aims to understand the neurological symptoms associated with exposure, including memory problems and fatigue, and how genetic factors like the apolipoprotein E e4 allele may influence these effects. Blood tests will be conducted to detect the presence of neurotoxins and related antibodies in participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of neurological symptoms caused by red tide exposure, improving health outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While research on harmful algal blooms is ongoing, the specific investigation into aerosolized neurotoxins and their neurological effects on humans is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Roskamp Institute, INC.
Sarasota, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdullah, Laila — Roskamp Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Abdullah, Laila
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.