How stress and environmental chemicals during pregnancy affect children's brain development.
Prenatal Maternal Stress, Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, and Cognitive Development: Potential Roles for Inflammation and the Developing Gut Microbiome
This study is looking at how stress during pregnancy and exposure to harmful chemicals might affect how children think and learn, especially for families living in tough urban areas, and it hopes to find ways to help support their development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10839871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how prenatal maternal stress and exposure to environmental chemicals may impact cognitive development in children, particularly those from distressed urban communities. It focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms involved, such as inflammation and the gut microbiome, that could mediate these effects. By examining these factors, the study aims to identify potential strategies to support cognitive development in vulnerable populations. The research will involve assessing the influence of psychosocial stressors, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and exposure to harmful substances like heavy metals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women living in urban areas who may experience high levels of stress and exposure to environmental contaminants.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in low-stress environments with minimal exposure to environmental chemicals may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing cognitive development in children exposed to stress and environmental toxins.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing psychosocial stress and environmental exposures can positively influence child development, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knickmeyer, Rebecca — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Knickmeyer, Rebecca
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.