How hibernating squirrels sense touch in cold temperatures
Official title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cold-adapted mechanosensation in the hibernating squirrel
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10997334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how thirteen-lined ground squirrels can still feel touch even when they hibernate and their body temperature drops, helping us understand how they adapt to survive in very cold conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2022 |
| Project end | October 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $44,270 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS131036-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with conditions affecting nerve sensitivity or those interested in the biological mechanisms of temperature regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in or relevance to sensory processing or temperature regulation may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, which hibernates by significantly lowering its body temperature, can still sense touch despite the cold. The study focuses on the specialized neurons in the squirrel's dorsal root ganglion that are responsible for mechanosensation, exploring how these neurons function at low temperatures. By examining the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover how these squirrels maintain sensitivity to tactile cues during hibernation. The findings could provide insights into the adaptations that allow these animals to thrive in extreme conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advancements in understanding sensory processing in extreme conditions, potentially informing treatments for conditions related to nerve sensitivity and temperature regulation in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in similar areas has shown promising results in understanding sensory mechanisms in various species, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenberg, Rebecca — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Greenberg, Rebecca
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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.