Investigating the link between environmental microbes and childhood asthma rates in border communities.
Binational Early Asthma & Microbiome Study (BEAMS)
This study is looking at how the germs in our environment might affect asthma in kids living near the US-Mexico border, by comparing children from Tucson, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, to see if different germs in their homes and water could help protect against asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how exposure to environmental microbes may influence the prevalence of childhood asthma in communities near the US-Mexico border. By comparing children from Tucson, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, the study aims to identify differences in microbial exposure and its potential protective effects against asthma. Researchers will analyze microbial communities found in dust, drinking water, and children's stools to understand their relationship with asthma rates. The findings could provide insights into how environmental factors contribute to asthma development in children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 0-11 years living in Tucson, Arizona, or Nogales, Mexico.
Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those living outside the specified geographic areas may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and managing childhood asthma by highlighting the importance of microbial exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that children in rural communities with higher microbial exposure have lower asthma rates, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Fernando D — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Fernando D
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 below.