Exploring how gut bacteria and inflammation affect heat-related illness
Official title: Girasoles 2.0: Understanding the Role of Microbiota, Inflammation, and Metabolomics in Heat-related Illness
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11020714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect inflammation and heat-related illnesses in farm workers who work in extreme heat, to help find ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $728,029 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES034708-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are agricultural workers who regularly work in high-temperature environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not work in extreme heat conditions or have unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between gut microbiota, inflammation, and metabolic processes in the context of heat-related illness (HRI), particularly among agricultural workers exposed to extreme heat. The study will analyze how gut bacteria and their byproducts influence immune responses and the severity of HRI symptoms. By examining biomarkers in blood and the gut, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to HRI and identify potential interventions. A total of 100 agricultural workers will be involved in this cross-sectional study to gather data on their health and environmental exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations like agricultural workers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in various health conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into heat-related illness.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hertzberg, Vicki Stover — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hertzberg, Vicki Stover
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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.