How early life experiences affect learning and memory in infants

Molecular mechanisms of infantile learning and memory

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-10911958

This study is looking at how early experiences, like stress, can affect how babies learn and remember things, using baby rodents to help us understand how their brains work during this important time, which could help us learn more about childhood development and related challenges.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10911958 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the biological mechanisms that influence learning and memory during early development, particularly in infants. It focuses on how unbalanced early experiences, such as chronic stress, can shape personality traits and potentially lead to severe psychological issues. By studying rodent models, the research aims to uncover how the medial temporal lobe-dependent memory system operates in infancy, which has been previously thought to be inactive during this stage. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into neurodevelopmental disabilities and improve our knowledge of cognitive development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who have experienced significant early life stress or trauma.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 21 years or those without a history of early life stress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for neurodevelopmental disabilities linked to early life experiences.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding early cognitive development through similar biological approaches, indicating that this research builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.