Investigating the health effects of artificial light at night using satellite data
Official title: A Validation Study of Satellite-based Measure of Artificial Light at Night for its Application in Epidemiological Research
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10947594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well satellite measurements of nighttime artificial light can help us understand its effects on health, and it's for anyone interested in how light pollution might impact their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $211,987 |
| NIH project number | 1UH2ES036681-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from diverse backgrounds who may be exposed to varying levels of artificial light at night.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in areas with minimal exposure to artificial light at night may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to validate the use of satellite-based measurements of artificial light at night (ALAN) to better understand its impact on health. By comparing satellite data with individual-level exposure assessments, the study seeks to determine how accurately satellite data reflects personal exposure to ALAN. The research will involve a large, diverse sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how various factors influence the relationship between ALAN and health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how artificial light at night affects health, potentially guiding public health recommendations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the correlation between satellite data and individual-level ALAN exposure, indicating that this research could provide valuable new insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Qian — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Qian
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.