Understanding how evolution and natural selection shape genetic diversity over time
Official title: Population genomic inferences of history and selection across populations and time
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11019748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different populations of living things change over time by examining their genes, helping scientists understand how natural selection affects their traits and making tools better for researchers who study these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,027 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM149235-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with genetic disorders or those interested in the genetic basis of diseases within diverse populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic mutations or those not represented in the studied populations may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolutionary history of populations by analyzing genomic data to understand how natural selection influences genetic variation. The team will develop advanced methods to infer the effects of mutations on fitness across different populations and environments. By applying these methods, they aim to uncover insights into the evolutionary processes that shape life. This research will also enhance existing software tools used in population genomics, making them more effective for researchers in the field.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a deeper understanding of genetic diseases and inform strategies for their prevention and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using genomic data to infer evolutionary history, indicating that this approach is both promising and well-established.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gutenkunst, Ryan — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Gutenkunst, Ryan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Mining safety training that connects research to practice for Western miners
A patient-facing overview of a U.S. mining safety program that partners universities and mining operators to improve training, safety practices, and outcomes for mine workers in the Western United States.
-
Developing small molecules to treat TDP-43 related brain diseases
A potential new drug candidate (XL20) for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias linked to TDP-43 protein problems is being developed and refined for people who live with these conditions.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
A new optical method to image skin cancers using synthetic waves
A small grant is funding the development and testing of tissue-mimicking skin phantoms to improve non-invasive imaging of skin cancers.
-
MRI-guided precision care for infants with cleft palate
We’re exploring how MRI can help tailor early care for babies with cleft palate to support better speech outcomes.
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.