Improving large-scale detection of emerging pathogens using advanced sequencing technology
Official title: Expanding Swabseq sequencing technology to enable readiness for emerging pathogens
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10886137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to quickly and accurately find germs like COVID-19 by testing many samples at the same time, making it easier for more labs to help keep everyone safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $575,226 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177859-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may be asymptomatic carriers of emerging pathogens or those in high-risk environments requiring frequent testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for emerging pathogens or those who do not require frequent testing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing enhanced methods for detecting novel pathogens, such as COVID-19, through a large-scale testing approach. By utilizing next-generation sequencing technology, the study aims to analyze hundreds of thousands of samples simultaneously. Each sample is labeled with a unique DNA barcode, allowing for efficient pooling and testing of multiple samples at once. This method not only increases testing capacity but also aims to make high-throughput testing accessible to more laboratories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the speed and efficiency of pathogen detection, leading to better public health responses during outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar high-throughput sequencing approaches in pathogen detection, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eskin, Eleazar — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Eskin, Eleazar
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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.