Using fruit flies to study how diesel exhaust affects brain development
Official title: Establishing Drosophila melanogaster as a model for developmental neurotoxicity assessment of air pollutants using diesel exhaust
Funded at California State University Sacramento · NIH-10869802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution from diesel exhaust might affect brain development and behavior, using fruit flies to help us understand the risks for people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Sacramento NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sacramento, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $421,705 |
| NIH project number | 1R15ES036345-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about the effects of air pollution on brain development, particularly children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by neurodevelopmental disorders or who do not have concerns about air pollution may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of air pollution, specifically diesel exhaust, on neurodevelopmental disorders using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model organism. The study aims to understand how different components of air pollution can affect brain development and behavior, particularly in the context of genetic susceptibilities. By employing rapid behavioral tests and genetic analysis, researchers will assess the neurotoxicity of diesel exhaust and its potential effects on developing brains. This approach allows for a detailed examination of the risks associated with air pollution in a controlled laboratory setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that using model organisms like Drosophila can effectively reveal insights into the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller-Schulze, Justin P. — California State University Sacramento
- Study coordinator: Miller-Schulze, Justin P.
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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.