Understanding how ants adapt their metabolism to environmental changes
Official title: Regulation and evolution of extreme metabolic plasticity in eusocial animals
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11015359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a special type of ant changes its metabolism based on its surroundings, helping us understand how these changes happen and what they might mean for other living things, including people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $367,808 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156744-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015359 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 metabolic health and those affected by conditions related to metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with genetic metabolic disorders that do not involve environmental plasticity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how ants, specifically the species Harpegnathos saltator, exhibit remarkable changes in their metabolism in response to environmental cues. By studying the metabolic and stress response pathways at both cellular and organismal levels, the project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these adaptations. The focus is on the extreme metabolic differences between different castes of ants, which are not genetically determined but arise from environmental influences. This work could provide insights into how similar metabolic plasticity might be applicable to other organisms, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing metabolic health and stress resilience in various species, potentially including humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying metabolic plasticity in ants is novel, similar research in other organisms has shown promising results in understanding metabolic adaptations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glastad, Karl Michael — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Glastad, Karl Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Rapid automated breast lump diagnosis without a radiologist or sonographer
A new AI-powered ultrasound tool helps determine if a palpable breast lump is likely benign or malignant, using a simplified technique that can be used by people with minimal ultrasound training.
-
ML-ROVER: Reducing Unneeded Lab Tests in Kids with AI
Aims to use machine learning to cut unnecessary blood tests in children in intensive care, helping avoid anemia and improve care quality.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect the brains of children with CNS malaria
A study planned for children with CNS malaria will test whether aggressive fever-reducing treatment can lower death and brain-related problems.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect brains in children with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medications to children with central nervous system malaria can lower death and brain injury.
-
Aggressive fever-fighting treatment to protect the brain in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing treatment alongside standard care can lower death and brain injury in children with CNS malaria.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing treatment to protect brains in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medicine alongside standard malaria treatment can lower deaths and brain injuries in children with CNS malaria.
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.