Using focused ultrasound to create a safe hibernation-like state
Ultrasound-induced artificial hibernation: Mimicking natural hibernation to enhance human health
This project is trying to use focused ultrasound to safely lower metabolism and body temperature to create a reversible hibernation-like state that could protect people during strokes, heart attacks, or organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about a plan that builds on experiments where researchers used ultrasound to activate brain cells and lower metabolism in mice and rats. The team will study the brain circuits and ion channels that respond to ultrasound and test safety, reversibility, and physiological effects in lab and animal models. The goal is to develop a noninvasive method that could be moved into carefully controlled human testing for emergency or organ-preservation use. Early work is preclinical, with later steps focused on regulators and safety before enrolling patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Once human testing begins, ideal candidates would be people experiencing or at high risk for acute events like stroke or heart attack, or patients needing organ preservation for transplant.
Not a fit: People without urgent tissue-threatening conditions or those with contraindications to brain ultrasound or altered hypothalamic function are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could protect the brain and heart during emergencies, extend organ preservation times for transplant, and reduce damage from strokes and heart attacks.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work showed ultrasound-induced torpor-like effects in mice and rats, but applying this approach safely in humans is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Hong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Hong
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.