How triclosan and puberty hormones may change kids' gut bacteria and behavior
Triclosan, pubertal hormones, and the gut microbiome: implications for neurobehavior
This project looks at whether exposure to the antibacterial chemical triclosan during childhood and puberty links to changes in gut bacteria and to mood or behavior in adolescents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179479 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a participant in this work, researchers will use urine and stool samples collected from children followed since before birth to compare triclosan levels, pubertal hormones, blood metabolites, and behavior. At around age 12, fecal DNA will be sequenced to map each child's gut microbial community. The team will look for times when triclosan exposure seems to shift the microbiome and whether those shifts connect with hormone changes and behavioral symptoms. Results come from the long-running HOME cohort rather than a new treatment visit, so the focus is on patterns over time rather than giving medical care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents (around age 12) who can provide stool samples and have prior urine or health data in the HOME cohort.
Not a fit: People outside the cohort or those who cannot provide stool samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation in this observational project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to exposure windows or biological pathways to reduce risk of behavior or mood problems linked to environmental chemicals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked the microbiome and environmental chemicals to hormones and behavior in infants and adults, but studying these links during adolescence is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laue, Hannah Elizabeth — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Laue, Hannah Elizabeth
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.