How electronic cigarettes affect the adolescent brain
Official title: Electronic cigarettes, adolescents, and changes in neurobiology
Funded at Marshall University · NIH-11055405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marshall University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA050717-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who are current users of electronic cigarettes or are at risk of starting to use them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use electronic cigarettes or have no history of nicotine use may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Marshall University
Huntington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henderson, Brandon Jarrod — Marshall University
- Study coordinator: Henderson, Brandon Jarrod
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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.