How brain development from birth to young adulthood affects thinking and mental health.
Official title: Trajectories of functional brain network organization from birth to early adulthood as predictors of executive function and psychopathology
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11049934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the growth of brain connections from birth to young adulthood affects thinking skills and the chances of mental health challenges, and it's for families interested in understanding how brain development can influence their child's abilities and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $787,584 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136041-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth aged 0 to 19 years, particularly those with varying levels of risk for psychopathology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0 to 19 years or those without any risk factors for psychopathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the development of brain networks from birth through early adulthood influences executive function and the risk of mental health issues. By analyzing data from a long-term study that has tracked children from prenatal stages to young adulthood, the researchers aim to identify specific brain patterns that predict cognitive abilities and psychopathology. Participants will undergo assessments at various ages, focusing on the relationship between brain development and executive function skills, which are crucial for managing thoughts and behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of individuals at risk for mental health issues, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and its impact on cognitive function and mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Jessica R — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Jessica R
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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.