Tracking how environmental factors affect human health using blood samples
Official title: Monitoring Human Exposome with Extracellular Vesicle Tricorder
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10910579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to create a new, easy way to check how things in our environment affect our health by analyzing tiny particles in our blood, which could help us understand how different factors impact our well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,386,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2ES037422-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from diverse backgrounds who are exposed to varying environmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no significant environmental exposure or those with acute health conditions unrelated to environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new method for monitoring the effects of environmental exposures on human health by analyzing extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in blood. These tiny structures, released by cells, contain valuable information about the health of various organs. By examining the molecular content of EVs, researchers hope to gain insights into how different environmental factors impact health across large populations. The goal is to create a minimally invasive tool that can provide a comprehensive view of an individual's health status based on a simple blood draw.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and monitoring of how environmental factors influence health, potentially guiding public health interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for health monitoring, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Yue — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Lu, Yue
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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.