Investigating how various factors affect brain development in children from pregnancy to age 10
Healthy Brain and Child Development National Consortium Data Coordinating Center
This study is looking at how things like our environment, genes, and biology during pregnancy and childhood affect how kids' brains develop, and it’s for pregnant women who want to help researchers learn more about their children's health over the next ten years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171073 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurodevelopment of children by examining the effects of environmental, genetic, and biological factors from pregnancy through childhood. The study will recruit a diverse group of 7,500 pregnant women and follow their children for a decade, collecting extensive data through neuroimaging, behavioral assessments, and biological samples. By analyzing this data, researchers aim to uncover insights into how these factors influence brain and behavioral health. The project is managed by a dedicated Data Coordinating Center to ensure high-quality data collection and analysis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant women and their children, particularly those from diverse sociodemographic backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have children under the age of 10 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for childhood brain and behavioral health issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in similar longitudinal studies that investigate child development and the impact of various factors on health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smyser, Christopher Daniel — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Smyser, Christopher Daniel
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.