Investigating how energy use can indicate aging through thermal imaging
Official title: Testing energy expenditures as biomarkers of aging using thermal imaging in a controlled environment
Funded at Scintillon Institute for Photobiology · NIH-10952949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our bodies use energy as we get older by watching how active rodents are in a special setup that uses thermal imaging, which could help us learn more about aging and metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scintillon Institute for Photobiology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $529,650 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG088921-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of aging and those with age-related conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by aging or do not have age-related diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how energy expenditure changes with age by using thermal imaging technology in a controlled environment. By studying rodent models, the researchers aim to identify age-related changes in physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and total energy expenditure (TEE) as potential biomarkers of aging. The study utilizes a novel platform called ENTICE, which allows for continuous thermal imaging and monitoring of animal behaviors, providing real-time data on energy use. This approach seeks to improve our understanding of aging and its effects on metabolism and physical activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for assessing aging and related diseases, potentially improving early detection and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of energy expenditure as a biomarker is established, the specific application of thermal imaging in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terskikh, Alexey V — Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
- Study coordinator: Terskikh, Alexey V
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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.