How prenatal chemicals, diet, and early stimulation affect child brain development
Mediators and Modifiers of Prenatal Environmental Exposures and Child Neurodevelopment: DNA methylation, Prenatal Diet, and Cognitive Stimulation (MEND)
This project looks at whether common prenatal chemicals, a mother's diet during pregnancy, and early learning at home are linked to children's brain development and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319114 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a group of over 650 families from urban and rural communities in Washington State whose prenatal exposures and child development are followed over time. Researchers will measure levels of phthalates and organophosphate flame retardants in pregnancy, analyze DNA methylation in cord blood, collect information about prenatal diet and early cognitive stimulation, and measure children's neurobehavioral outcomes. Machine learning will be used to create combined neurobehavior profiles and to see how chemical exposures, diet, and DNA changes relate to those profiles. The goal is to find patterns and modifiable factors that might reduce harm from prenatal chemical exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people and their children from the participating communities in Washington State, especially those enrolled in the ECHO-linked cohorts, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a current pregnancy, without young children, or living far outside the study's recruitment area are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to practical ways—such as dietary guidance or early stimulation strategies—to lessen the impact of prenatal chemical exposures on children's development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has found links between prenatal phthalate exposure and child development and has shown DNA methylation changes, but results are mixed and combining exposures, diet, and machine-learning phenotypes is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sathyanarayana, Sheela — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sathyanarayana, Sheela
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 below.