Understanding how the brain helps us respond to cold temperatures
Official title: Brainstem cold-defense circuitry
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10854828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help warm-blooded animals, including humans, respond to cold temperatures, and it aims to understand how aging or health issues might make it harder for us to handle the cold, which could lead to better treatments for people who struggle with being cold.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $528,328 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130038-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic cold intolerance due to aging, neurological conditions, or other health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience cold intolerance or related neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific neurons in the brainstem detect cold temperatures and trigger responses that help warm-blooded animals survive in cold environments. It focuses on the parabrachial nucleus, a region in the brain that processes sensory information about temperature and coordinates behavioral and physiological responses. By studying these cold-defense mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how aging, disease, or neurological injuries can impair our ability to tolerate cold. The findings could lead to new treatments for conditions like chronic cold intolerance and improve therapeutic approaches for hypothermia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for patients suffering from cold intolerance and enhance protocols for managing hypothermia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on cold-defense circuitry is novel, related research on temperature regulation and neurological responses has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geerling, Joel Charles — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Geerling, Joel Charles
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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.