Understanding how hibernation can improve metabolism and health.
Official title: Mammalian Hibernation Research- A Path Towards a Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism
Funded at University of Alaska Fairbanks · NIH-10659060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how animals hibernate to find new ways to help people with health issues like obesity and diabetes, and it's being done at the University of Alaska with a team of researchers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alaska Fairbanks NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairbanks, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,307,616 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM130443-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults and seniors who are at risk for metabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing metabolic issues or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the physiological changes that occur during mammalian hibernation, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could be applied to human health. The project is based at the University of Alaska's Institute of Arctic Biology and involves training new and experienced researchers in this field. By studying hibernation, the research seeks to address metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. The findings could lead to innovative treatments that enhance metabolic health in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for metabolic diseases, improving health outcomes for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: While hibernation research is a relatively novel field, there have been promising findings in related studies that suggest potential breakthroughs in understanding metabolism.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drew, Kelly L — University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Study coordinator: Drew, Kelly L
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.