Using deep learning to analyze how our surroundings affect heart health
Built Environment Assessment through Computer visiON (BEACON): Applying Deep Learning to Street-Level and Satellite Images to Estimate Built Environment Effects on Cardiovascular Health
This study is looking at how the places we live—like our neighborhoods and parks—affect heart health by influencing how much we move around and what we breathe in, and it's designed for people interested in understanding the connection between their environment and heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the built environment, including buildings, streets, and green spaces, impacts cardiovascular health by influencing physical activity and exposure to environmental factors like air pollution. By utilizing advanced deep learning techniques to analyze street-level and satellite images, the study aims to create precise measures of environmental exposure. These measures will be applied to data from participants in the Nurses’ Health Study to better understand the relationship between where people live and their heart health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adult women living in urban areas who are part of the Nurses’ Health Study.
Not a fit: Patients living in rural areas or those not participating in the Nurses’ Health Study may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health policies that enhance urban environments to promote better cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using similar deep learning approaches to assess environmental impacts on health, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Peter — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: James, Peter
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.