Tracking adolescent white-matter changes linked to alcohol use
Longitudinal Analysis of Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Discover Adolescent Alcohol Use Effect
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11251614
Researchers will use repeated MRI brain scans to track how alcohol use relates to changes in teenagers' brain wiring.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251614 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project follows hundreds of young people over several years using yearly diffusion MRI scans that measure white-matter microstructure. Scientists apply a new way of modeling each person's brain changes over time and then compare group-level developmental patterns. By separating typical adolescent brain development from differences that show up after starting heavier drinking, the team hopes to pinpoint brain changes tied to early alcohol use. The work uses data from the NCANDA cohort, which includes yearly imaging and drinking histories.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults (roughly ages 12–20) who can complete yearly MRI visits and share information about their alcohol use.
Not a fit: People who cannot undergo MRI (for example, because of metal implants) or who have no relevant adolescent alcohol exposure may not directly benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal early brain changes from teen drinking that help doctors target prevention and counseling sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Large studies have previously linked heavy adolescent drinking to white-matter differences, but this specific unified longitudinal modeling approach is a novel way to separate alcohol effects from normal development.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, QINGYU — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, QINGYU
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.