How food and light affect ovulation timing
Official title: Food and Light Cue Entrainment of the Ovulation Stimulating HPG Axis
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11161940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how working different hours and eating at odd times can affect your reproductive health and fertility, especially by exploring how certain brain cells respond to light and food, which helps control when ovulation happens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 9, 2025 |
| Project end | April 8, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD118670-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing fertility issues potentially linked to irregular eating and sleeping patterns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fertility issues unrelated to circadian disruptions or those not experiencing any lifestyle-related factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how disruptions in circadian rhythms, particularly due to shift work and eating patterns, impact reproductive health and fertility. It focuses on the role of specific neurons in the brain that are influenced by light and food cues, which are crucial for regulating the timing of ovulation. By mapping the connections of these neurons and studying their responses to food intake, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could explain fertility issues related to misaligned eating and sleeping schedules.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving fertility in individuals affected by circadian disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that circadian rhythm disruptions can negatively impact reproductive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papich, Zachary Dominic — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Papich, Zachary Dominic
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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.