How light exposure affects brain circuits and behavior in adolescents
Official title: Neurobiological responses of somatostatin neuronal circuits to environmental light disruptions during pubertal development
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11027862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in light exposure affect the brains and behaviors of teenagers during puberty, especially since they often spend a lot of time indoors and on screens; the goal is to find ways to help them cope better and reduce anxiety that might come from these light changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,427 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013234-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing anxiety or behavioral issues related to circadian disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without anxiety-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how disruptions in light exposure impact the brain's neurobiological circuits and behaviors during puberty. It focuses on adolescents, who are particularly susceptible to changes in their circadian rhythms due to increased indoor light exposure and electronic device usage. The study aims to understand how specific brain regions, like the medial amygdala, respond to these light changes and whether interventions can help prevent anxiety disorders linked to these disruptions. By examining the activity of somatostatin neurons, the research seeks to uncover potential strategies to enhance resilience against anxiety in young people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help prevent anxiety disorders in adolescents by optimizing light exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of light on circadian rhythms and behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porcu, Alessandra — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Porcu, Alessandra
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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.