Understanding how viruses jump from wild mammals to humans
Official title: Mammal-virus evolution from global to local scales
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11022146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses can jump from wild animals to people, helping us understand which animals might pose the biggest risk for diseases like Ebola and SARS, so we can find better ways to prevent future outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156919-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where interactions with wild mammals are common, particularly those at risk of zoonotic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in urban areas with minimal contact with wildlife may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the patterns and rules that govern how viruses can be transmitted from wild mammals to humans, a process known as spillover. By examining both global and local factors, the research aims to identify which species interactions pose the highest risk for zoonotic diseases. The team will analyze genetic data and ecological dynamics to improve our understanding of these complex relationships. This work is crucial for developing strategies to prevent future outbreaks of diseases like Ebola, MERS, and SARS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for viral outbreaks that originate from wild mammals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding zoonotic spillover through genetic and ecological studies, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Upham, Nathan Steadman — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Upham, Nathan Steadman
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.