How electronic cigarettes affect the adolescent brain

Electronic cigarettes, adolescents, and changes in neurobiology

NIH-funded research Marshall University · NIH-11055405

This study looks at how using e-cigarettes might affect the brains of teenagers and could lead to nicotine addiction, using mice to help understand the risks involved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMarshall University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11055405 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) on the developing brains of adolescents. It focuses on understanding how exposure to ENDS alters neurobiology and potentially leads to nicotine addiction. Using a mouse model, the study employs a novel self-administration assay to mimic the use of popular e-liquids and pods among teens. By identifying key neurobiological changes, the research aims to provide insights into the risks associated with ENDS use in adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who are current users of electronic cigarettes or are at risk of starting to use them.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use electronic cigarettes or have no history of nicotine use may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for nicotine addiction in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into nicotine addiction, this specific approach using adolescent mouse models and ENDS is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Huntington, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
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.