Investigating how chemicals affect dopamine development in the brain
Official title: Endocrine Disruption of the Developing Dopamine System
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11030852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in our environment might affect brain development and behavior, especially in babies, and it aims to help us understand how these chemicals could impact attention and reward-seeking behaviors in both the short and long term.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,040 |
| NIH project number | 5F32ES034257-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may have been exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or have not been exposed to EDCs during their development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the development of dopamine circuits in the brain, particularly during the perinatal period. Using animal models, the study will examine how exposure to these chemicals can lead to deficits in attention and reward-processing behaviors. The research will focus on both the immediate and long-term effects of EDC exposure on brain development and behavior across generations. By understanding these mechanisms, the study aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge regarding neurobehavioral deficits linked to environmental exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for neurobehavioral disorders related to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant correlations between EDC exposure and neurobehavioral deficits, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilz, Emily Nicole — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Hilz, Emily Nicole
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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.