Exploring the concept of innate power in plants throughout history
Official title: The Powers of Heaven and Earth: The Concept of Dunamis from the Ancient Mediterranean to the Early Modern Atlantic World
Funded at San Diego State University · NIH-11043924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the idea of 'dunamis,' which means the natural power of plants, and explores how this concept has shaped medicine and other fields from ancient times to today, helping us understand the special qualities of plants better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,200 |
| NIH project number | 1G13LM014437-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be scholars or practitioners interested in the historical and philosophical aspects of medicine and botany.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate medical interventions or treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the historical concept of 'dunamis,' which refers to the innate power or potentiality of substances, particularly plants, from ancient Greek medicine through the Middle Ages to the early modern period. It aims to understand how this concept has influenced various fields such as medicine, natural philosophy, and psychology over time. By examining the translations and interpretations of 'dunamis' across different cultures and eras, the project seeks to uncover its significance and application in understanding the nature of plants and their properties. This research will involve a thorough analysis of historical texts and manuscripts to trace the evolution of the concept.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of plant properties and their applications in medicine and agriculture.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of historical concepts in medicine is established, the specific focus on 'dunamis' in relation to plants is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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San Diego State University
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Vos, Paula Susan — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: De Vos, Paula Susan
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.