Investigating how early experiences affect brain development in children.
HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study at UAB and UA
This study is looking at how things like substance use during pregnancy can affect a child's brain and behavior as they grow up, and it's for pregnant women in their second trimester who want to help us understand these important early experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10877957 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of environmental exposures, particularly in utero substance use, on brain and behavioral development from birth through childhood. Pregnant women in their second trimester will be enrolled, and their infants will be followed over time using a comprehensive approach that includes brain imaging and assessments of neurodevelopment. The study aims to explore how these early experiences can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function, particularly in diverse populations including rural and minority groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant women in their second trimester, particularly those with a history of substance use.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not in the second trimester may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for children affected by early environmental exposures, potentially enhancing their long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding the effects of early environmental exposures on child development, making this study a continuation of important work in the field.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newsom, Cassandra R. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Newsom, Cassandra R.
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.