The effects of air pollution on male-biased psychiatric disorders in youth
Official title: Air Pollution and Male-Biased Psychiatric Disorders
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10880513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in polluted air while growing up might lead to mental health issues, especially in boys, like schizophrenia and autism, by using animal models to see how it affects their brains and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,068 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES032260-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing symptoms of psychiatric disorders or have been exposed to high levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 12-20 or do not have any psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to air pollution during development may lead to psychiatric disorders that are more common in males, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Using animal models, the study examines the neurological and behavioral changes caused by inhaling ultrafine particles found in polluted air. The researchers aim to understand the biological mechanisms behind these changes and how they may differ between sexes, focusing on factors like inflammation and copper levels in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders linked to air pollution in children and adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated a connection between air pollution and psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cory-Slechta, Deborah a — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Cory-Slechta, Deborah a
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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.