Effects of e-cigarette use on brain development in adolescents

Health Effects of E-cigarette Use on Brain Functions and Cognitive Development among Adolescents: A US Population-Based Study

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11055420

This study looks at how using e-cigarettes might change the way young people's brains work and develop, focusing on kids and teens aged 9 to 20, to help understand the risks of vaping compared to smoking regular cigarettes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055420 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how using e-cigarettes affects brain functions and cognitive development in adolescents aged 9 to 20 years. By analyzing data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, the research aims to understand the impact of exclusive e-cigarette use compared to traditional cigarette smoking on brain structure and cognitive performance. The study will track changes over time, providing insights into the potential risks associated with vaping during critical developmental stages. This research is crucial for informing public health policies and regulatory actions regarding e-cigarettes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 9 to 20 years who have used e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the adolescent age range or who have never used e-cigarettes or cigarettes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the health risks of e-cigarette use, helping to shape effective prevention and intervention strategies for youth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant effects of traditional cigarette smoking on adolescent brain development, but the specific impacts of e-cigarette use are still being explored, making this study particularly relevant and timely.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.