How sex hormones affect brain development during puberty

Endocrine-mediated pubertal brain network development: Bridging datasets with machine learning

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11004972

This study is looking at how hormones like estradiol and testosterone affect brain development during puberty, and it's for young people who want to understand how these changes might shape their brains as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11004972 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of sex hormones on brain development during puberty by utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques and machine learning. It aims to understand how hormones like estradiol and testosterone influence brain structure and function, particularly focusing on changes in brain architecture. By analyzing data from youth at different stages of puberty, the study seeks to uncover the relationship between hormone levels and brain development, addressing gaps in current knowledge. The approach combines insights from animal studies with innovative human neuroimaging methods to provide a comprehensive view of these biological processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are undergoing puberty and may be experiencing psychological or developmental challenges.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not undergoing puberty may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of adolescent brain development and inform interventions for psychological conditions during this critical period.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding hormonal influences on brain development, but this specific approach integrating machine learning and neuroimaging is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.