Using ultrasound to mimic hibernation for better health
Official title: Ultrasound-induced artificial hibernation: Mimicking natural hibernation to enhance human health
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10925750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people during serious health emergencies, like strokes or heart attacks, by using ultrasound to safely lower their body temperature and metabolism, similar to how animals hibernate.
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 start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,088,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DK143574-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at high risk for strokes, heart attacks, or those requiring organ transplants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable health conditions or those not facing critical medical emergencies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how to safely induce a state similar to hibernation in humans using ultrasound technology. By targeting specific neurons in the hypothalamus, the goal is to lower metabolism and body temperature, which could help during critical health events like strokes and heart attacks. The approach has shown promise in animal models, particularly in mice and rats, and aims to translate these findings into potential human applications. If successful, this method could revolutionize how we manage severe medical conditions and improve organ preservation for transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance survival rates during critical health events and improve organ transplant viability.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of artificial hibernation is novel, preliminary findings in animal studies suggest that similar approaches have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Hong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Hong
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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.