Investigating the brain's arousal network in relation to SIDS and healthy development
Brainstem Arousal Network in Human Consciousness: Healthy development vs SIDS
This study is looking at how babies' brains wake them up and stay alert, which could help us understand why some infants experience sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and it aims to find ways to keep babies safer while they sleep.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10821344 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the brain's arousal network functions in infants and its potential role in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). By examining the connections within the brainstem and how they relate to consciousness and arousal, the study aims to identify critical developmental factors that may contribute to SIDS. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to visualize these brain structures and their interconnections, providing insights into how arousal responses may fail during sleep. This work could lead to a better understanding of SIDS and inform preventive strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include infants under one year of age, particularly those at risk for SIDS.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than one year or those without a history of SIDS risk factors may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for SIDS, potentially saving infants' lives.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's arousal mechanisms, but this specific approach to SIDS is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zollei, Lilla — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zollei, Lilla
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.