Understanding how social connections affect health in wild chimpanzees
Novel frameworks for explaining unequal access to the health benefits of social ties: a longitudinal analysis in wild chimpanzees
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO · NIH-10692860
This study looks at how friendships among wild chimpanzees affect their health and how long they live, hoping to learn more about the benefits of social connections for both chimps and people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10692860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of social ties on health and longevity in wild chimpanzees. By observing their social behaviors and monitoring physiological markers, the study aims to identify factors that influence how chimpanzees access the health benefits of their social networks. This approach allows for a detailed analysis of social interactions over time, providing insights that are difficult to obtain from human studies. The findings could inform strategies to enhance social support systems in both primates and humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals interested in the effects of social support on health, particularly those with conditions affected by social isolation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in the role of social connections in health or who do not have conditions influenced by social support may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how social relationships contribute to health, potentially influencing interventions for better health outcomes in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using non-human primates to study social behaviors and health outcomes, indicating that this approach is both valid and valuable.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THOMPSON, MELISSA EMERY — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
- Study coordinator: THOMPSON, MELISSA EMERY
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 below.