Examining brain development changes during birth in babies
Official title: Longitudinal assessment of human brain connectome changes across the birth transition in both term and preterm pregnancies
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10785703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how babies' brains grow and change right after birth, whether they are born on time or early, to help us understand how their brain development can be different from what we expect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $118,515 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD113873-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10785703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include infants born at term or preterm, particularly those under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those with pre-existing severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain develops during the critical transition of birth, focusing on both term and preterm infants. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques and comprehensive behavioral assessments, the study aims to map the development of brain circuits over time. Participants will undergo brain imaging to track changes and help create a 'brain age' index that reflects individual brain maturation. This research is essential for understanding normal and atypical brain development in early life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for brain development issues in infants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain development using neuroimaging techniques, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ji, Lanxin — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ji, Lanxin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains
This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth
A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
-
PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies
A family-centered program that teaches parents how to care for very preterm infants, offers psychosocial support, and connects families with resources to address social needs.
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.