Investigating how climate change affects the spread of fungal infections
Official title: Assessing the relationship between fungal pathogenicity and climate change and the risk of emergent pathogens in a changing climate
Funded at New Mexico State University Las Cruces · NIH-10889099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how climate change, like heat and drought, might help harmful fungi grow more easily in the soil, which could lead to more fungal infections, and it aims to find out how these changes could affect our health in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Mexico State University Las Cruces NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Cruces, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $183,212 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM146585-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions experiencing significant climate change effects, particularly those at risk for fungal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by fungal infections or who live in stable climate conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of climate change on the spread of fungal infectious diseases, particularly focusing on how environmental stressors like heat and drought may enhance the pathogenicity of certain fungi. By examining soil fungal communities, the study aims to determine if these stress conditions favor the growth of harmful fungi over non-pathogenic varieties. The research will also investigate whether these environmental factors can trigger transformations in fungi from harmless to pathogenic forms. Ultimately, the findings could help in planning for potential outbreaks of fungal diseases as climate conditions change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better preparedness and treatment strategies for fungal infections that may become more prevalent due to climate change.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that climate change can influence the behavior of pathogens, suggesting that this study's approach is both relevant and timely.
Where this research is happening
-
New Mexico State University Las Cruces
Las Cruces, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero Olivares, Adriana — New Mexico State University Las Cruces
- Study coordinator: Romero Olivares, Adriana
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.