Could gut bacteria be the hidden copilot for stressful flights?
NCT ID NCT07829159
First seen Sep 18, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers at the University of Nebraska are studying whether the bacteria living in a pilot's gut relate to how well that pilot handles stress in a flight simulator. Twenty healthy, instrument-rated pilots provide stool samples and fly simulated missions while researchers track their stress responses. The goal is to see whether certain microbial strains or their metabolic activity line up with stress tolerance, which could one day inform diet plans for fighter and airline pilots.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Flight simulator stress testing
- What this could lead to
- If a link appears between gut bacteria and stress tolerance, it could shape diet recommendations that help pilots stay calm under pressure.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small observational study of 20 healthy pilots, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Any patterns may not apply to other people or other stressful situations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Healthy licensed instrument rated pilots.
- Ages
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18 minutes to 25 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy instrument rated pilot Exclusion Criteria: * Mental illness, chronic inflammatory disease, gastrointestinal disease.
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As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
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