Understanding how some animals can safely lower their body temperature
Official title: Molecular and cellular basis of reversible hypothermia
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10994605 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some animals can safely lower their body temperature, like hibernating squirrels, to find out how this works in their brains, which could help doctors find new ways to safely cool down patients in emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $447,139 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126271-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994605 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may benefit from therapeutic hypothermia, such as those experiencing cardiac arrest or severe trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing conditions that could benefit from hypothermia, such as stable chronic illnesses, may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind reversible hypothermia, a process where certain animals can significantly lower their body temperature without harm. By studying the brain's thermoregulation in hibernating animals like the thirteen-lined ground squirrel and comparing it to non-hibernating mice, the researchers aim to uncover the cellular and molecular principles that allow for this adaptation. The findings could lead to new pharmacological methods to safely induce and control hypothermia in humans, potentially benefiting patients in critical care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that allow for safe and controlled hypothermia in medical emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding hibernation and hypothermia, but this specific approach using a comparative model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gracheva, Elena — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Gracheva, Elena
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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.