Effects of chemical exposures during pregnancy and early childhood on children's brain development and behavior
Impact of pre- and postnatal chemical mixture exposures on child neurobehavior and neuroimaging
This study is looking at how being around certain harmful chemicals before and after birth might affect how kids aged 0-12 think and behave, helping us understand links to issues like learning disabilities, anxiety, autism, and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11083647 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to mixtures of environmental chemicals before and after birth affects children's brain development and behavior. It focuses on understanding the impact of various toxicants, such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, on neurobehavioral outcomes in children aged 0-12 years. By utilizing advanced statistical methods, the study aims to analyze the effects of these chemical mixtures on brain function and structure through neuroimaging techniques. The research will draw on data from existing birth cohorts to provide insights into how these exposures may lead to learning disabilities, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women and families with children aged 0-12 years who may have been exposed to environmental chemicals.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have children within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have examined the effects of individual chemicals on neurobehavioral outcomes, this research is novel in its approach to analyzing chemical mixtures and their cumulative effects.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Aimin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen, Aimin
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.