Understanding how social environments affect aging

Systems and methods for molecular dissection of socio-environmental effects on aging

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11143326

This study is looking at how the social and physical surroundings of fruit flies when they're young can affect how they age, helping us understand how our environments might influence how long we live.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11143326 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of early-life social and physical environments on the aging process using fruit flies as a model organism. By employing advanced technologies, the study will track and analyze the interactions of Drosophila melanogaster in various environments, focusing on their movement, social behaviors, and feeding activities. The research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link these social interactions to aging, providing insights into how environmental factors influence longevity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the effects of social interactions and environmental factors on aging.

Not a fit: Patients with no interest in the biological mechanisms of aging or those not affected by social environmental factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy aging by understanding the role of social environments.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on aging, this approach using Drosophila to dissect socio-environmental effects is innovative and not widely tested.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.