How exposure to metals and maternal stress during pregnancy affects adolescent risk-taking behavior

Perinatal metal mixture exposure and prenatal maternal stress: Impact on neural and cognitive constructs underlying adolescent risk-taking

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11070882

This study looks at how being exposed to certain metals and experiencing stress during pregnancy might affect how teenagers make risky choices as they grow up, helping us find ways to support healthier decision-making in young people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11070882 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to metal mixtures during the perinatal period, combined with prenatal maternal stress, influences the development of adolescent risk-taking behaviors. By focusing on the critical brain development that occurs from pregnancy to one year after birth, the study aims to understand how these environmental factors may disrupt brain regions responsible for decision-making and reward processing. The researchers will analyze data to identify potential links between these exposures and maladaptive behaviors in adolescents, providing insights into prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and their children, particularly those exposed to environmental metals or experiencing high levels of maternal stress.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are beyond the early developmental stages may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of maladaptive risk-taking behaviors in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored individual metal exposures, this research is novel in its focus on the combined effects of metal mixtures and maternal stress on adolescent behavior.

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.