Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, are developing a novel cell‑therapy approach that could lessen the effects of jet lag for both military personnel and vacationers. The work, which began with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aims to help the body’s internal clock adjust more quickly when crossing time zones.
Military origins of the study
Omid Veiseh, director of the Biotechnology Launch Pad at Rice, explained that the project was born out of a need to keep troops ready for rapid deployments. “Depending on the branch of military, whether you’re a pilot or you work on an aircraft carrier, there’s issues of circadian rhythm disruption, which really affect the readiness of the troops,” he said.
While the original focus was on service members, Veiseh noted that the same physiological challenges affect ordinary travelers. “We recognized that the circadian rhythm is regulated through a central clock, which resets based on sunlight,” he said, “but then there’s a peripheral clock, which is the hormone levels that are regulated throughout the day.”
How the therapy would work
The proposed treatment involves injecting cells that produce the hormone leptin at a specific time before travel. By delivering the right hormone at the right moment, the researchers believe they can reduce the mismatch between the central and peripheral clocks that causes the classic symptoms of jet lag—fatigue, disorientation, and sleep disturbances.
Veiseh emphasized that the therapy would not replace sleep. “You’ll still get tired,” he said. “It’s just what it’s fixing is this asynchronous mismatch between your central clock and peripheral clock.”
Timeline and next steps
The team’s next challenge is to make the therapy “deployable and easier for patients to administer.” Veiseh estimates that a commercially available product could be on the market in roughly five years, pending further testing and regulatory approval.
While the research is still in early stages, it reflects a broader trend of using biotechnology to address everyday health concerns. If successful, the therapy could offer a practical solution for anyone who frequently travels across time zones, from airline crews to families on vacation.
Implications for the community
For Texas residents, the project highlights the state’s role in cutting‑edge medical research and its ties to national defense initiatives. It also underscores the potential for local universities to develop innovations that could benefit both the military and the general public.
As the study progresses, the researchers plan to conduct clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy. Until then, they advise travelers to continue relying on traditional strategies—such as gradual schedule adjustments, exposure to natural light, and adequate rest—to mitigate jet lag.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
