Understanding how fruit flies adapt to changing temperatures
Official title: Evolution and underlying genetics of thermal physiology and behavior in Drosophila
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11088697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how fruit flies from São Tomé cope with climate change by examining their ability to handle different temperatures and what genes help them adapt, so we can better understand how these little creatures survive in a warming world.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32ES035271-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are scientists and conservationists interested in the effects of climate change on species adaptation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in ecological or evolutionary biology may not find direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fruit flies, specifically those from São Tomé, adapt to climate change by studying their thermal tolerance and preferences. The project combines historical data with modern genomic techniques to explore the genetic factors that influence how these flies respond to temperature changes. By conducting experiments on the thermal niches and genetic makeup of different Drosophila species, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that allow these animals to survive in a warming world.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how species adapt to climate change, which may inform conservation strategies and improve our understanding of biodiversity.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown success in understanding species adaptation to environmental changes, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rader, Jonathan a. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Rader, Jonathan a.
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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.