Effects of prenatal alcohol and methadone on brain development
Official title: Impact of prenatal alcohol and methadone exposure on dopamine regulation of BLA plasticity
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-10753305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to alcohol and methadone during pregnancy might affect the brain development of babies, especially in how they handle emotions, and it aims to find out if boys and girls are impacted differently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $412,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA030917-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include male adolescents and adults who have been exposed to alcohol and/or methadone during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to prenatal alcohol or methadone are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to alcohol and methadone during pregnancy affects the brain development of offspring, particularly focusing on the dopamine system and its role in emotional regulation. The study aims to understand the combined impact of these substances on the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions. By examining male and female responses separately, the research seeks to uncover potential differences in how these exposures affect anxiety and emotional processing. Participants may contribute to understanding the neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal substance exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and support for children affected by prenatal substance exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on neurodevelopment, but the combined effects with methadone are less understood, making this a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz, Marvin Rafael — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Diaz, Marvin Rafael
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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.