Fetal alcohol exposure and its lasting brain effects: diagnosis and care improvements
Official title: C0-Overall: Fetal Ethanol-induced behavior deficits: Mechanisms, diagnosis and Intervention
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11392542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national center is testing how exposure to alcohol before birth affects brain development, with hopes of better diagnosis and more effective ways to help affected children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2014 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,447,231 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA022534-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young people with or at risk for FASD and their families who could participate in biomarker studies, diagnostic validation, or intervention trials.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not benefit directly if their individual conditions do not align with the specific biomarkers or interventions studied.
What this research studies
This NIH P50 center brings together scientists who study how prenatal alcohol exposure changes brain biology and behavior. Researchers aim to identify biomarkers that detect PAE early and predict long-term problems, while also testing interventions that combine neurobehavioral, educational, and pharmacologic strategies. The work spans preclinical models and clinical studies to translate findings into better care for individuals with FASD. The project is anchored at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and emphasizes collaboration across teams.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective therapies for children affected by fetal alcohol exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers and developing supportive interventions, but gaps remain in reliable early diagnosis and integrated treatment approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valenzuela, Carlos Fernando — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Valenzuela, Carlos Fernando
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.