How early-life metal exposures may shape teen risk-taking
Longitudinal study of metal mixtures and the developmental origins of adolescent risk-taking
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11368946
Researchers are tracking whether metals children are exposed to early in life are linked to risk-taking behaviors during the teenage years.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11368946 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project follows children from before birth into adolescence using the Mount Sinai PROGRESS cohort. Researchers reconstruct early-life metal exposures from tooth biomarkers and combine that information with repeated brain MRI scans and neuropsychological tests across childhood and the teenage years. By examining developmental trajectories over time, they aim to link specific windows of exposure to changes in emotion, decision-making, and risk-taking. The team focuses on mixtures of metals such as lead, manganese, and zinc to see how combined exposures relate to behavior and brain function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children (and their families) enrolled in or eligible for long-term follow-up in the Mount Sinai PROGRESS cohort who can provide early-life biosamples and attend follow-up visits including MRI.
Not a fit: People whose exposures occurred only in adulthood or who cannot participate in longitudinal follow-up visits and scans are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify early-life environmental risks that help target prevention or early support to reduce harmful adolescent risk-taking.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research, including the team's earlier work, has linked early metal exposures to behavioral problems and brain differences, but applying longitudinal exposure reconstructions to predict adolescent risk-taking is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HORTON, MEGAN K — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: HORTON, MEGAN K
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 below.