Investigating brain chemistry changes in young children using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Edited Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Pediatric Brain
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11116882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the brains of young children change as they grow, using a special scan that doesn't hurt, to help us understand what healthy brain development looks like and how it might be affected in some kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $643,818 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB032788-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years who are undergoing evaluation for neurodevelopmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those without neurodevelopmental concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurochemical changes that occur in the brains of young children, which are crucial for their development. By using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), the study aims to non-invasively measure important brain metabolites that influence brain function. The project will develop new tools to improve the accuracy of these measurements, particularly in children who may have difficulty remaining still during scans. The findings could provide insights into healthy brain development and potential disruptions in neurodevelopment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for assessing brain health in children and understanding developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using magnetic resonance spectroscopy for studying brain chemistry, but this specific application in pediatrics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edden, Richard Anthony Edward — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Edden, Richard Anthony Edward
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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.