How social status affects brain health and stress levels
Official title: Social regulation of oxidative stress in the brain
Funded at Central Michigan University · NIH-10730899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being popular or not among friends affects brain health in cichlid fish, which might help us understand how social stress can impact mental health in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Michigan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $443,315 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM150286-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing stress-related mental health disorders or those interested in the biological impacts of social environments on mental health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable mental health and no history of stress-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social status influences oxidative stress in the brain, which is linked to various mental health conditions. By studying the social behaviors of cichlid fish, the researchers aim to understand the relationship between social stress and brain health. They will explore how both high and low social status can lead to oxidative stress through hormonal changes, particularly focusing on androgens. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing stress-related mental health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of social stress on health, but this specific approach using cichlid fish is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dijkstra, Peter Douwe — Central Michigan University
- Study coordinator: Dijkstra, Peter Douwe
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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.