Investigating how maternal experiences of structural racism affect inflammation in newborns
Official title: Examining maternal lifetime exposure to structural racism and metabolomics in neonatal dried blood
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10887825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the experiences of Black mothers with racism and segregation might affect the health of their newborns by checking for signs of inflammation in their babies' blood, helping us understand how these challenges can impact future generations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $245,532 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110899-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black women who have recently given birth and their newborns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall within the Black demographic or who are not recent mothers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of maternal lifetime exposure to structural racism on the health of newborns by analyzing inflammatory markers in neonatal dried blood spots. It focuses on how systemic oppression and residential segregation can lead to chronic health issues in Black communities, potentially affecting the health of future generations. By examining a cohort of women who have given birth at Henry Ford Health, the study aims to uncover links between maternal experiences and infant health outcomes. The methodology involves collecting and analyzing blood samples from newborns to identify any signs of inflammation that may be influenced by their mothers' experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for health disparities affecting Black infants and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal health and environmental factors can significantly impact infant health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joseph, Christine Lm — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Joseph, Christine Lm
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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.