Investigating how environmental chemicals may contribute to cerebral palsy.

Environmental Chemical Exposures and Biologic Markers for Cerebral Palsy (EXPOSE CP)

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11088703

This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment might affect the brain development of babies and lead to cerebral palsy, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about what causes this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088703 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the potential impact of environmental chemical exposures on the development of cerebral palsy (CP) in newborns. By analyzing prenatal environmental, hormonal, and metabolomic data, the study aims to identify specific neurotoxicants, such as certain pesticides and PFAS, that may disrupt fetal brain development. The research will utilize unique resources in California, including blood samples from a biobank and a statewide diagnostic system for CP, to explore the relationship between these exposures and the mechanisms leading to CP. This comprehensive approach seeks to uncover the unexplained causes of CP and improve our understanding of its etiology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children diagnosed with cerebral palsy or at risk of developing it due to environmental factors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cerebral palsy or are not exposed to the identified environmental chemicals may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and interventions for cerebral palsy by identifying harmful environmental exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in identifying environmental factors contributing to various health conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cerebral palsy.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
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Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.