How maternal milk affects social behavior in adults
Official title: Maternal milk cytokines activate cognate receptors in the neonatal esophagus to program adult social behavior
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10727420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain substances in breast milk from active moms might help shape the development of babies' esophagus and influence their behavior as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $463,360 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD112847-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants born prematurely who are receiving maternal breast milk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infants or those who are not receiving maternal breast milk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cytokines found in maternal breast milk and their impact on the development of the neonatal esophagus and subsequent adult social behavior. The study aims to understand how these biologically active substances in milk interact with receptors in the neonatal gastrointestinal tract, potentially influencing brain development. By examining the effects of maternal physical activity on the levels of specific cytokines in milk, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind these interactions and their long-term implications for offspring behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how maternal milk influences long-term social behavior and cognitive development in children.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have indicated that maternal factors can significantly influence infant development and behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toth, Miklos — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Toth, Miklos
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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.