How binge drinking during adolescence affects brain development and behavior differently in boys and girls

Sex-dependent shifts in behavioral profiles and cortical signaling following adolescent binge drinking

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11046856

This study looks at how binge drinking during the teenage years affects brain development, especially in an area that helps with decision-making, and it aims to find out if boys and girls are impacted differently by alcohol.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046856 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of adolescent binge drinking on brain development, specifically focusing on the prefrontal cortex and its neurotransmitter systems. By using a model that simulates binge drinking, the study aims to understand how alcohol exposure during critical developmental periods can lead to long-term changes in behavior and brain function. The research will also explore sex differences in these effects, providing insights into how boys and girls may respond differently to alcohol during adolescence.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced binge drinking or are at risk of alcohol use.

Not a fit: Patients who have not engaged in binge drinking or are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for alcohol-related issues in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that adolescent alcohol exposure can lead to significant behavioral and neurological changes, indicating that this approach has been successful in related studies.

Where this research is happening

University Park, 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 2026-06-15 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.