How air pollution affects brain development through gut bacteria in children
Official title: Pre- and Postnatal Exposure to Air Pollutants and the Gut Microbiome: Implications for Brain Development in Early and Mid-Childhood
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11052500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood might affect kids' brain development and behavior, especially by looking at how it changes their gut health, so we can better understand how the environment impacts children's growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $684,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035056-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant women and children under the age of 11 who have been exposed to air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to air pollution or are over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood on brain development and behavior. It focuses on understanding how changes in the gut microbiome, influenced by air pollution, may mediate these effects. By examining both cognitive outcomes and gut health, the study aims to provide a comprehensive view of how environmental factors can affect children's development. The research will involve collecting data from affected populations and analyzing the relationships between air pollution, gut bacteria, and brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for mitigating the negative effects of air pollution on children's brain development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between air pollution and developmental outcomes, but this research is novel in its focus on the gut microbiome as a mediator.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alderete, Tanya Lynn — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Alderete, Tanya Lynn
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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.