How birds evolve after disease outbreaks
Official title: Host evolution in the wake of contemporary outbreaks of disease
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11018111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how birds in the Galapagos Islands change and adapt when faced with new diseases, helping us learn more about their survival and what this means for conservation and public health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $380,406 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156783-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals interested in avian biology, ecology, and conservation, particularly those in regions affected by zoonotic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in ecological research or who do not reside in areas impacted by zoonotic diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bird populations, particularly in the Galapagos Islands, adapt and evolve in response to emerging diseases. By examining the effects of two historical parasite introductions on local avian species, the research aims to understand demographic changes, life history adaptations, and genetic evolution in these birds. The study utilizes a natural laboratory setting to observe real-time evolutionary processes, providing insights into how diseases impact host populations over time. Patients can benefit from understanding these evolutionary dynamics, which may inform conservation efforts and public health strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of disease impacts on wildlife and inform strategies to mitigate zoonotic disease risks to humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding evolutionary responses to disease in wildlife, indicating that this approach is grounded in established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnew, Sabrina — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Mcnew, Sabrina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Mining safety training that connects research to practice for Western miners
A patient-facing overview of a U.S. mining safety program that partners universities and mining operators to improve training, safety practices, and outcomes for mine workers in the Western United States.
-
Developing small molecules to treat TDP-43 related brain diseases
A potential new drug candidate (XL20) for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias linked to TDP-43 protein problems is being developed and refined for people who live with these conditions.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
A new optical method to image skin cancers using synthetic waves
A small grant is funding the development and testing of tissue-mimicking skin phantoms to improve non-invasive imaging of skin cancers.
-
MRI-guided precision care for infants with cleft palate
We’re exploring how MRI can help tailor early care for babies with cleft palate to support better speech outcomes.
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.