How maternal oxytocin and flame retardants affect children's social brain development
Official title: Maternal Transfer of Oxytocin and Thyroid-disrupting Indoor Flame Retardants Affecting Offspring Social Brain
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10893928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in breast milk and the hormone oxytocin from mothers might affect how children, especially those with autism, develop their social skills and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,719 |
| NIH project number | 5F31ES034304-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have autism spectrum disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal transfer of oxytocin and exposure to flame retardants on the social brain development of children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It aims to understand how environmental factors, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in breast milk, may contribute to the rising prevalence of ASD. The study will analyze the effects of these substances on social cognition and behavior in children, focusing on critical developmental periods. By examining the relationship between these exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms behind social processing disturbances in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for autism spectrum disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between environmental exposures and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kozlova, Elena V — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Kozlova, Elena V
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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.