NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how aging affects behavior in worms

Official title: Inferring multi-scale dynamics underlying behavior in aging C. elegans

Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11015021 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how aging affects behavior by observing tiny worms called C. elegans, and it hopes to find new ways to understand aging that could help improve treatments for age-related health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia Institute of Technology
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$466,393
NIH project number5R01AG082039-03
Project IDNIH-11015021 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in age-related health issues or those affected by age-associated diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute conditions unrelated to aging or those who are not affected by age-related diseases may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex processes of aging by studying the behavior of the nematode C. elegans, a model organism. It aims to develop advanced technologies to measure and analyze the dynamics of aging, focusing on how these changes affect behavior over time. By examining the neural origins of these behavioral changes, the research seeks to uncover the connections between short-term actions and long-term health outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights gained about aging processes that could inform future treatments for age-related conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of aging and inform strategies to improve healthspan and longevity in humans.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies in other model organisms have shown promise in understanding aging dynamics.

Where this research is happening

  • Georgia Institute of Technology
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lu, Hang — Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Study coordinator: Lu, Hang

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
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.