Understanding how dust and heat affect birth outcomes in California
Official title: From Risk to Resilience: Assessing Adverse Birth Outcome Risks and Adaptive Capacity to Fine Soil Dust and Heat Exposures in California
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11033549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like dust in the air and really hot weather might affect babies being born too early or with low weight, especially in California, and it aims to find ways to help moms and babies stay healthy in tough conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,024 |
| NIH project number | 1K01ES036991-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals living in California, particularly those exposed to high levels of dust and heat.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living in areas with minimal exposure to dust and heat may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health impacts of environmental hazards, specifically focusing on how exposure to soil dust and extreme heat can affect birth outcomes in California. The project aims to gather data on these environmental factors and their combined effects on preterm birth and low birth weight. By employing advanced statistical modeling and community-based research methods, the study seeks to understand how communities can adapt to these climate-related challenges. The findings will help inform strategies to improve maternal and neonatal health in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their newborns by identifying risks and promoting resilience against environmental hazards.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the impacts of environmental factors on health, but this specific focus on dust and heat exposure in relation to birth outcomes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heaney, Alexandra K. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Heaney, Alexandra K.
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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.