NIH-funded research Sbir 1 grant

Monitoring stress levels in underserved communities using wastewater analysis

Official title: Population monitoring of stress markers in underserved communities

Funded at Giner, INC. · NIH-10766447 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how to measure stress in underserved communities by testing wastewater for certain markers, and it aims to create a handy sensor that helps health officials get quick information to better support these communities and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGiner, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newton, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$282,224
NIH project number1R43HL170947-01
Project IDNIH-10766447 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in low-resource and underserved communities who may be affected by high stress levels.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not reside in underserved communities or who are not experiencing significant stress may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to identify and monitor stress levels in underserved communities by analyzing wastewater for specific biomarkers. By developing a portable sensor that can quickly and accurately detect these stress markers, the project seeks to provide public health officials with timely data to allocate resources effectively. This approach moves away from traditional methods that rely on surveys and hospital data, allowing for proactive intervention in communities facing high stress. The goal is to mitigate the long-term health consequences associated with chronic stress, such as heart diseases and other serious conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health responses and resource allocation in communities experiencing high levels of stress.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized wastewater analysis for public health monitoring, indicating that this approach has potential for impactful results.

Where this research is happening

  • Giner, INC.
    Newton, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Argun, Avni a — Giner, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Argun, Avni a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Low-Cost Ozone Monitor for Communities Affected by Wildfires

    A cheap, easy-to-use ozone monitor is being developed to help communities affected by wildfires understand and protect themselves from ozone pollution.

    NIH research Giner, INC. · Newton, United States · NIH-11417234

  • FeNO home breathalyzer to help kids manage asthma

    A small, at-home FeNO monitor for children aged 6 and up to help caregivers and clinicians track airway inflammation and improve asthma control.

    NIH research Giner, INC. · Newton, United States · NIH-11315861

  • Development of a device to monitor HIV viral load and medication adherence

    This study is testing a new device that helps people with HIV check their viral load and medication levels at home, making it easier for them to manage their health and share important information with their doctors.

    NIH research Giner, INC. · Newton, United States · NIH-11222488

  • Developing a tool for quick testing of oxytocin levels during childbirth

    This study is working on a new, easy-to-use tool that helps doctors quickly check oxytocin levels during childbirth, making it simpler to ensure moms get the best care when they need it most.

    NIH research Giner, INC. · Newton, United States · NIH-11185121

  • Portable device for measuring arsenic exposure in people

    This study is working on a handy and affordable tool that can quickly check for harmful heavy metals like arsenic in drinking water and the environment, helping health experts and researchers keep people safe.

    NIH research Giner, INC. · Newton, United States · NIH-10782457

  • Monitoring opioid use through wastewater analysis

    This study is working on a handy sensor that can quickly check for opioid traces in wastewater, helping communities understand and tackle opioid use without putting anyone on the spot.

    NIH research Giner, INC. · Newton, United States · NIH-10576367

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Browse more
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.